Denzel Washington is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors who has graced the silver screen with many acclaimed performances to his credit. The actor has played heroic characters for most of his career in impressive films such as Mo’ Better Blues, Philadelphia, Courage Under Fire, and Glory winning an Oscar for the latter.
His second Oscar win for Best Actor came with his antagonistic turn as Alonzo in Antoine Fuqua’s Training Day. Washington had never played a sleazy and morally complicated character like Alonzo before. However, he was vying to play one much before that film and one such antagonistic performance that he was envious of was of Don Cheadle in Devil in a Blue Dress.
Don Cheadle’s Meaty Role Made Denzel Washington Question His Choices
Denzel Washington and Don Cheadle starred in the 1995 neo-noir mystery film Devil in a Blue Dress. Washington played Easy Rawlins, a World War II veteran who investigates the mysterious disappearance of a woman. Cheadle played Mouse, the main antagonist, and his character became the standout of the film.
Up to that point, Washington had majorly played heroic and selfless characters in films like Glory, Malcolm X, Crimson Tide, etc. Playing an antagonist was something that he was open to doing. However, when he saw what Cheadle did with Mouse in Devil in a Blue Dress, he started to believe that he chose the wrong part to play in the film.
In an interview with UPI, Washington revealed that he grew envious of Cheadle’s character in the film. He believed that Cheadle got the good part, and stated that no one approached him to play bad guys in films. The actor hoped that people would start offering him meaty antagonistic roles just like Cheadle in Devil in a Blue Dress. Washington said,
I was talking earlier about Devil in a Blue Dress and that’s when I really realized that Don Cheadle’s character, Mouse… I was like ‘Man, I’m playing the wrong part.’ He’s got the good part and nobody’s ever asked me to play the bad guy. I guess they don’t look at me that way. Maybe they will now.
Antoine Fuqua would cast Washington in the role of a lifetime as the despicable Alonzo in Training Day. His fantastic performance as the character won him the Oscar for Best Actor. The actor went on to shine playing more morally gray characters in films like American Gangster, Flight, and Fences.
Ridley Scott Teases Denzel Washington’s Complex Role in Gladiator 2
Ridley Scott and Denzel Washington are reuniting after 2007’s American Gangster for the upcoming historical drama Gladiator II. The film is a sequel to the 2001 Oscar-winning film Gladiator and will focus on the life of Lucius after the events of the film, played by Paul Mescal. Scott talked to Total Film magazine about Washington’s role in the film.
The director revealed that Washington’s character is a former slave-turned-wealthy man who managed to earn his freedom. The character has a lot of grudge against the emperors of the past and the film will explore his character with great depth. Scott lovingly called Washington a golden dust while expressing his admiration for the actor. The director said (via GamesRadar),
As for Denzel’s character… There were businesses of gladiators who could indeed earn their freedom if they stayed alive. That was the deal. So we went right into that, in-depth. Where did he come from? How was he taken?
He was branded with marks and registered with a brand on his chest as a slave. So that’s how he comes into the story. He’s a rich guy who’s still carrying a grudge. I respect Denzel Washington tremendously. I shouldn’t call Denzel a golden oldie – he’d fucking kill me – but he’s gold dust
The sequel is set many years after the first film (about 15-20 years). In addition to Washington, the film will also star Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen, May Calamawy, and Derek Jacobi. Gladiator II will hit theatres on November 22, 2024.
Fans can watch/rent Devil in a Blue Dress on Apple TV+.
