Legendary Actor’s Final Roles: From Marvel’s Wakanda to Shakespearean Classics
Oscar winner Denzel Washington, renowned for his impressive list of Denzel Washington movies, announced in August that his acting career was approaching its conclusion with “only a handful of films” left to make. Now, he’s confirmed that “Black Panther 3,” part of the blockbuster Marvel franchise, is among his final projects.
Upcoming Projects: Marvel, Shakespeare, and More
During promotional interviews for “Gladiator II” with Australia’s “Today,” Washington revealed that filmmaker Ryan Coogler is crafting a specific role for him in the upcoming installment of the Black Panther cinema series. This will join his final slate of projects in the film industry, including a collaboration with Steve McQueen and a cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello.
Washington’s Focus on Quality Collaborations
“At this stage in my acting career, the directors matter most to me. I’m solely focused on collaborating with exceptional talent,” Washington explained, reflecting on his recent Denzel Washington movies. “The number of films in my future is limited. I’m seeking roles that push new boundaries for me.”
“I portrayed the Othello role when I was 22. Now I’ll embody him again at 70,” he elaborated, mentioning the upcoming Shakespeare’s Othello production alongside Jake Gyllenhaal scheduled for Broadway in February 2025. This Broadway production marks a significant milestone in Washington’s diverse career.
Washington’s Retirement Roadmap
“Following that, I’ll step into Hannibal’s shoes. Then, there’s a potential project with Steve McQueen. After that comes Ryan Coogler’s role for me in the next ‘Black Panther,’ set in the fictional nation of Wakanda. Then the film version of ‘Othello.’ Subsequently, I’ll tackle King Lear. That will mark my retirement from the acting career that has defined my life.”
While details about the Steve McQueen collaboration remain confidential, Netflix has confirmed its backing of Antoine Fuqua’s historical epic featuring Washington as the legendary Carthaginian commander Hannibal. Regarding “Black Panther 3,” Marvel hasn’t made an official announcement, though industry observers anticipate another installment given the franchise’s commercial success as a blockbuster.
Washington’s Connection to the Black Panther Legacy
Washington’s participation in the next Black Panther cinema experience represents a meaningful connection to the Marvel franchise. The late Chadwick Boseman, who starred as T’Challa in the original “Black Panther,” had previously revealed that Washington funded his summer acting training, leading him to state: “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”
Boseman’s Tribute to Washington
“You’ve been the foundation for our entire cast,” Boseman declared while presenting Washington with the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2019. “Every victory achieved, every milestone reached, every sacrifice you’ve made for cultural representation in cinema throughout your career, and every principle you’ve stood firm on has created the pathway we now follow.”
Washington’s Lasting Impact on Cinema
Washington’s impact on the film industry extends far beyond his role in nurturing new talent. His powerful performances in movies like “Training Day,” for which he won an Academy Award, have set a high bar for actors in Hollywood. As he prepares to take on new challenges, including his return to the Othello role and his entry into the world of Wakanda, fans of Denzel Washington movies eagerly anticipate these final chapters in his illustrious career.
Source:
Zack Sharf (November 12, 2024). Denzel Washington Says ‘Black Panther 3’ Will Be One of His Last Movies Before He Retires; Chadwick Boseman Once Declared: ‘There’s No Black Panther Without Denzel’. Variety. https://variety.com/2024/film/news/denzel-washington-black-panther-3-last-movies-1236207411/. Accessed November 14, 2024
Header Photo:
Denzel Washington left with Terri Sewell and BGCA representative.
Photo credit: Terri Sewell, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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