Denzel Washington jokes that he will auction off his “Gladiator II” sandals if 'things don't work out'

The Oscar winner has snagged a memento from each of his films — just in case.

It's always important to have a backup plan — which is why Denzel Washington has a whole closetful.

While the Hollywood legend and two-time Oscar winner has thus far enjoyed a successful six decades in the business, he also has a solid insurance plan just in case things take a wrong turn. During his Monday night visit to Jimmy Kimmel Live, the actor revealed that he took a little something from the set of Gladiator II, and he joked that it might just come in handy down the line.

"I kept the sandals," Washington shared, referencing the traditional Roman attire featured in the Ridley Scott-helmed film. "I always keep something," he continued, then paused, correcting, "Steal something."

As for where the sandals live now, he joked, "It's in the closet, it's back there, you know, in case things don't work out. I can sell things, I can have a little auction. You never know."

With credits including such beloved titles as Training Day, Fences, Philadelphia, The Equalizer, and more, there's no telling what else is hiding in Washington's prop closet. But while auction day lays distantly on the horizon, the actor will next be seen on the big screen when Gladiator II hits theaters on Nov. 22.

Related: Denzel Washington's best performances, ranked

In the long-anticipated sequel to Scott’s 2000 film, Washington plays Macrinus, a former slave who plots to overthrow the current emperors of Rome. As his plan takes form, Macrinus thrives as a ruthless gladiator wrangler and wealthy power broker. But don't let the description fool you, as Washington assured host Jimmy Kimmel that his character isn't nearly as nefarious as he sounds… depending who you ask.

"He's not a villain, he's a lovely fella," Washington quipped, later pointing out that at the very least, Macrinus doesn't consider himself to be a villain. "You can't play it that way."

Related: Denzel Washington reveals he kissed a man on the lips in Gladiator II but it was cut: 'They weren't ready for that yet'

Reflecting on the role, Washington then opened up about the experience of sharing the screen with a real-life monkey.

"You know, he was very talented," the actor said of his primate costar. "I don't even know if it was a he, actually, but he climbed up on my head, and I said, 'Okay, partner.'"

Washington joked, "He didn't see Training Day." The quip was met with laughter and  applause from the studio audience, as he referenced the infamous movie speech that sees him shout, "King Kong ain't got s--- on me!"

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Gladiator II picks up nearly two decades after the events of the first movie, following a now-grown Lucius (Paul Mescal) making his return to Rome as a gladiator after being captured by a plundering Roman army. As he fights to survive the horrors of the arena and the dirty politics of the city, he nurses his hatred for Pedro Pascal’s General Marcus Acacius, while preparing to exact revenge under the tutelage of Washington's Macrinus.

The film also stars Connie Nielsen, Fred Hechinger, and Joseph Quinn. Watch Washington reflect on the role in the clip above.