Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for Gladiator II!Gladiator II's story as it progresses.

In an interview with CinemaBlend for the movie's release, Washington discusses his role in the sequel, as well as the possibility of a return to the franchise in the future, should Gladiator 3 happen, despite his character's fate in Gladiator II. The Oscar winner ruminates on the 24-year time period between the production of Scott's first two movies, and jokes that he hopes to be around if it takes that long to make the third movie. Check out the New Yorker's full comments below:

Well, first of all, there's 25 years between Gladiator one and two, right? I hope to be around, but I'll be 70 in two months. So 25 years from now, you know, I don't know. I just hope to be around.

What These Comments Mean For Gladiator 3

A Strong Theatrical Run Could See A Third Movie Much Sooner

Whilst there were 24 years between the first two movies, it feels unlikely that any such gap would exist for Gladiator 3's release. The first film was a modern classic, and though Russell Crowe didn't return, Scott deciding to revisit the franchise is likely what allowed the film to be made. The 86-year-old director seems to be increasing his productivity as he reaches the twilight of his career, and it's likely he will want to complete the franchise as a trilogy whilst he's still able to, which should result in Gladiator 3 arriving sooner rather than later.

The epic fantasy musical Wicked will be competing with Gladiator II, but could result in a Glicked phenomenon similar to Barbenheimer, which would drive the box office of both.

If Gladiator II is a success theatrically, expect a third installment to enter production in the next few years. Things look promising, and the historical epic is projected to enjoy a domestic opening weekend of around $60 million, almost double that of its predecessor, with hopes high that the movie will comfortably the $465 million total of the first movie. The epic fantasy musical Wicked will be competing with Gladiator II, but could result in a Glicked phenomenon similar to Barbenheimer, which would drive the box office of both.

Our Verdict On Washington's Gladiator 3 Prospects

The Actor Could Appear Despite His Character's Death In The Sequel

As for Washington, the fact that Macrinus is decisively killed by Lucius at the end of Gladiator II makes it unlikely the 69-year-old would make a return for Gladiator 3, but there is a possibility. I believe that if Washington does appear in a follow-up it will be as Macrinus, but it would be in the form of flashbacks, and his strong working relationship with Scott would very much help make this a reality, should the actor desire a return to the franchise for Gladiator 3.

Source: CinemaBlend