Washington’s Last Acts

Denzel Washington, the iconic Oscar-winning actor at 69, recently offered rare insights into his thoughts on retirement and what lies ahead for his remarkable career. Revered for his powerful portrayals across diverse genres, Washington has hinted that he may be approaching the twilight of his acting journey, with his upcoming projects possibly being some of his most impactful yet. Generating significant awards buzz for his role in Gladiator II, Washington also revealed that his potential involvement in a third Black Panther movie could represent one of his last big-screen performances.

In a recent interview with Australia's Today show while discussing Gladiator II, Washington revealed his meticulous approach to selecting collaborators, expressing that at this point in his career, he seeks to work solely with elite talent. "At this stage, I'm only focused on collaborating with the best," he affirmed. One of his upcoming projects includes a highly anticipated Broadway revival of Othello, where he plans to star as the lead at age 70, nearly 50 years after his first performance in the role at 22, alongside co-star Jake Gyllenhaal.

Washington also expressed a desire to explore a range of roles and directors, noting his interest in working with acclaimed filmmakers like Steve McQueen and Ryan Coogler. Other projects he has in mind include portraying characters like King Lear and the Carthaginian general Hannibal, along with the possible return to the Marvel Universe through Black Panther.

Though some roles, including his appearance in Black Panther, remain unconfirmed, Washington’s potential retirement signals the closing of a chapter for a career that has profoundly influenced both Hollywood and global audiences. Reflecting on Washington’s enduring legacy, his late Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman once said, “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington,” underscoring Washington’s lasting impact on generations of actors and fans alike.