Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal took one step closer to Broadway last week, as rehearsals began for the highly anticipated revival of William Shakespeare’s 'Othello.' PEOPLE has an exclusive look at the milestone day.

If you don't really know why, a good starting point is the 1992 film starring Denzel Washington (Gladiator II). An epic in many senses, the movie clocks in at 3 hours and 22 minutes, and it's also mandatory viewing for anyone who considers themselves a Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods) fan.