In the interview, the two-time Oscar winner discussed his reason for joining Ridley Scott’s upcoming Gladiator 2, set around 20 years after the original film.

“There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” Washington confessed to the publication. “We had a great go-round the first go-round [on American Gangster], and here we are.”

But he was still excited to team up with Scott again, years after the 2007 movie American Gangster.

“Obviously, both are great filmmakers,” Washington added. “They can’t miss.” Working together on Gladiator 2 has also reminded the Training Day actor of the energy Scott brings to the filming set.

“He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration. We should all want to feel like that at 86.”

Though Washington didn’t reveal how many more films he sees in his future, fans can look forward to seeing him star in Gladiator 2 as Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer who “wants to be Emperor, and he’s willing to do anything to get there,” the actor explained.

The sequel, a potential Oscar contender, which also stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn, is set to hit theaters on November 22.