Denzel Washington Hints At Retirement And ‘Black Panther’ Role

Denzel Washington is planning to wrap up his famous acting career with a few final ventures. During a recent interview with Australia’s Today show, the 69-year-old Oscar winner hinted at his upcoming retirement, indicating that he plans to focus on chosen parts before leaving the screen.

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“For me, it’s about the filmmaker, especially at this point in my career,” Washington explained. “I’m only interested in working with the best. I don’t know how many more films I’m gonna make — probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.”

One of the projects capturing public attention is his rumored involvement in the Black Panther franchise. While a third Black Panther film has yet to be officially confirmed, Washington revealed that director Ryan Coogler is reportedly crafting a role for him.

“Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther’,” he mentioned, though neither Coogler’s involvement nor the new movie itself has been officially announced.

If Washington joins Black Panther, it would mark his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut. Washington has previously praised Black Panther, recalling in a 2018 interview with JOE that he was deeply moved by the original film.

“There is no ‘Black Panther’ without Denzel Washington,” late actor Chadwick Boseman once said, crediting Washington for helping pave the way as an actor.

Boseman famously shared that Washington had generously paid for his and several classmates’ tuition to attend the British American Drama Academy, a gesture that Boseman described as life-changing.

Washington’s Legacy

Meanwhile, Washington’s career continues to earn acclaim. He stars as Macrinus in Gladiator II, Ridley Scott’s follow-up to his 2000 Best Picture winner, and the performance is already sparking Oscar buzz.

Following this role, Washington plans to return to theater, reprising Shakespeare’s Othello on Broadway before taking on the character in a film adaptation.

Upcoming projects also include portrayals of Hannibal and King Lear, and he is slated to collaborate with 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen and reunite with Spike Lee for an A24 production.

Washington’s schedule showcases the breadth of his interests and skills, though he has clearly set boundaries for these last chapters. “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in,” he remarked in an interview with Empire magazine, emphasizing the importance of creative inspiration.

With a career that has spanned nearly five decades, Washington’s impact on cinema remains indelible, and his upcoming retirement promises a final flourish to a remarkable journey.

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