Denzel Washington Talks Retirement and Upcoming Projects, Including “Black Panther 3”

At 69, Denzel Washington shows no signs of slowing down, but the legendary actor has begun planning his retirement. While he has several exciting projects ahead, Washington made it clear that his time in Hollywood is winding down.

A Busy Few Years Ahead

Washington’s upcoming slate is packed. He will star in Gladiator II alongside Paul Mescal, and he’s set to portray the ancient military leader Hannibal in an upcoming Netflix film directed by Antoine Fuqua. He will also return to the stage, reprising his role as Othello in a Broadway revival of Shakespeare’s classic play. Despite these major roles, Washington, known for his selective choices, says he’s nearing the end of his career.

Selective Choices and Retirement Plans

In a recent interview on The Today Show Australia, Washington revealed that his future projects will be limited. “At this point, I’m only interested in working with the best,” he said. “I don’t know how many more films I’ll make, probably not that many.” He reflected on the roles he’s yet to explore, such as playing Othello again at 70 and portraying Hannibal on screen. Washington also confirmed discussions with notable directors like Steve McQueen and Ryan Coogler.

‘Black Panther 3’ a Possibility

Washington sparked major buzz when he mentioned that Coogler, who directed Black Panther and its sequel, has written a part for him in Black Panther 3. While Marvel has not confirmed the third installment of the blockbuster series, this hint has fans eagerly speculating about his potential role in Wakanda’s future. With Marvel’s packed release schedule, including titles like Captain America: Brave New World and Avengers: Doomsday, Black Panther 3 remains one of the most anticipated films, though no official confirmation has been made.

Washington’s final years in the industry will certainly be filled with high-profile roles, but it seems his time in front of the camera is coming to a close.