Denzel Washington’s wily Macrinus in “Gladiator II” turns out to be one outrageous, homicidal scene stealer.

The stablemaster of Rome’s conquered slaves who hope to gain their freedom by killing, Macrinus immediately spots Paul Mescal’s ferocious Lucius in the Colosseum’s life and death duels.

As for this reunion with director-producer Ridley Scott so many years after “American Gangster” (2007), “It’s a different movie,” Washington said during a virtual press conference.

“The first two or three weeks we were up in the stands and the youngsters were down there trying to kill each other.  So, a lot of listening and just watching.  And that was different, to just be an observer at first.”

Once filming’s finished, it’s surprising to learn, “I watch the movie once. So I know what I’m talking about.  But I really don’t watch movies I’ve made.”

Playing this unabashed villain, Washington felt “no pressure. The movie isn’t called ‘Macrinus.’  It’s ‘Gladiator.’  So to be honest, I didn’t feel any pressure at all.”

This week coincides with the streaming release of “The Piano Lesson,” the third August Wilson play he’s produced for film.  It’s very much a family affair with his youngest, Malcolm, in his writing-directing debut and his eldest John David co-starring.

What does Washington — 70 in late December — think of this generational change?

“It’s inevitable. You have to get out of the way eventually. Hopefully. Prayerfully.  Our children grew up watching movies — because my wife is the film buff in our family and loves movies.

“I didn’t grow up watching movies. I wanted to go outside and run around, play games.  She loves movies and they do too.

“It was just natural that they all got in the business. I mean, they grew up in the business. Their friends at schools they went to were in the business.”

Washington’s business has a new phase with a new mantra: To work only with the best.

Beginning this February on Broadway with a revival of “Othello,” he’s booked, he revealed, for the next six years.

“At this point in my career, I’m working harder than I ever have. I’m trying to do my best work with the best directors. I think the best work I’ve ever done is actually ahead of me.”

It began with a reality check. When he looked in the mirror, “I didn’t like what I saw and said, How can I bring less of me and consider the possibility of being the best of me?

“Physically, I’ve dropped 80 pounds in two years.  Put on about 15-20 pounds of muscle. Now, I’m only interested in the best, using all of what I have left.”

“Gladiator II” is in theaters now

Denzel Washington, far left, producer of “The Piano Lesson,” poses with, from left, his daughter Katia, also a producer on the film, his wife Pauletta, his son John David, a co-star in the film, and his son Malcolm, director and co-writer of the film, at the premiere of “The Piano Lesson” in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)