Earlier this morning, Denzel Washington revealed that he’s joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe and that director Ryan Coogler is writing a part for him in “Black Panther 3”— a nice confirmation that the film is indeed happening and Coogler is still on board. But that’s not all. Speaking with Today while promoting his role in “Gladiator II,” the actor revealed his itinerary for the next few years, which includes an upcoming retirement.
Turning 70 next year, the acclaimed actor has won two Academy Awards (he’s been nominated ten times), three Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for two Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award. Clearly, Washington feels like he’s accomplished pretty much everything he’s set out to do, so in this new interview, Washington reveals that he has an exit strategy and plan for his last few projects.
“I’m only interested in working with the best,” he said about this point in his career and the filmmakers he wants to work with. “I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make—probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.”
“I played Othello at 22, I’m about to play Othello at 70,” he continued. “After that, I’m playing Hannibal,” he said, presumably meaning a stage version of “Hannibal and Scipio,” written by Thomas Nabbes.
On top of revealing he would collaborate with Ryan Coogler on “Black Panther 3”—a new villain perhaps?— he rattled off a list of upcoming projects, including a collaboration with Academy Award-winning director Steve McQueen (“12 Years A Slave,” “Blitz”).
“I’ve been talking to Steve McQueen about a film… after that I’m going to do the film ‘Othello,’ after that I’m going to do King Lear, after that I’m going to retire,” he revealed.
That could probably mean another ten years in the acting game, considering how long movies and stage plays take to make and put on, but clearly, Washington has a game plan to end his career. Any filmmakers out there dying to work with Denzel Washington before he’s out? You better pitch those roles and scripts as soon as possible.
Here’s the clip of him talking about his upcoming film roles/projects (before retirement 😔) pic.twitter.com/7Sqo7NPdWj
— sinneD 🎭 (@dennis_k_g) November 12, 2024
