The filmography of the late, great Tony Scott is packed with Denzel Washington favourites – from Man On Fire and Crimson Tide, to Déjà Vu and Unstoppable. The director and star had a real creative chemistry spanning years, right up until Scott’s untimely death in 2012. And now, for the second time, Washington is collaborating with Scott’s similarly legendary filmmaker brother Ridley, stepping into Gladiator II – their first work together since 2007’s American Gangster.

This time, Washington is donning ancient Roman gear as Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer who “wants to be Emperor and he’s willing to do anything to get there,” he tells Empire in the world-exclusive Gladiator II issue. Having worked with both Scott brothers, Washington has experienced their individual brilliance first-hand. “I don’t compare directors,” he says. “You see the different personalities. I suppose they do [have similarities]. On the days when we’re shooting, I’m busy with what I’m doing. So I’m not comparing this one to that one, but obviously both are great filmmakers. They can’t miss.”