Denzel Washington Reveals He Will Appear in “Black Panther 3,” And Discusses Plans to Focus on Directing, During his “Gladiator II” Promo Tour
While promoting his upcoming film “Gladiator II,” Denzel Washington and the rest of the cast have been on a worldwide press tour – one that has taken them just about anywhere and everywhere you can think of, including among the audience of King Charles III during the film’s world premiere in London.
“There Is No ‘Black Panther” Without Denzel”
As part of this promo, Washington appeared on an Australian talk show last week where he opened up about his plans to retire from acting, with hopes to pivot to doing more directing and behind-the-scenes work. During the interview, Washington also expressed his excitement for a new role he’ll potentially be taking on in the third “Black Panther” film. Marvel has yet to make an official announcement about “Black Panther 3,” but having Washington attached to the project so early on could help jumpstart its development. It’s also especially fitting for him to join the popular franchise, bearing in mind its late star Chadwick Boseman once said that “there is no ‘Black Panther’ without Denzel Washington” – referencing and paying respect to Washington’s commitment to uplifting young Black actors, which included a personal element for Boseman, since Denzel actually funded his tuition for summer acting classes at the University of Oxford.
”I’m Going To Retire”
After spending nearly five decades in the limelight, it seems like Washington is ready to take his career to new territory, and he has begun to lay down the groundwork for his final stretch on the acting side of things. “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. I played Othello at 22. I am about to play Othello at 70,” Washington said about his upcoming reprisal of the Shakespeare character for Broadway, marking a full-circle moment for the actor. “After that, I am playing Hannibal,” referring to the 2025 Netflix film about the ancient general, which will be directed by Antoine Fuqua. “After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’ After that, I’m gonna do the film ‘Othello.’ After that, I’m gonna do King Lear. After that, I’m gonna retire.”
He clarified later that this is only a rough outline for his retirement plan, and assured fans it’ll be at least another five to ten years before the Oscar winner steps away from the camera’s spotlight for good. Plus, there’s always the possibility that he’ll take on more projects than what he currently has mapped out, so with luck we will see a lot more of Denzel on the big screen before his scheduled retirement.
Don’t miss his appearance as the great Macrinus in “Gladiator II,” in theaters everywhere on November 22nd.
