LOS ANGELES, USA – Denzel Washington, the two-time Oscar-winning actor and one of Hollywood’s most revered stars, has announced plans to retire from acting in the near future, marking the end of a groundbreaking career that spans over four decades.
Speaking during a press tour for Gladiator II, his latest critically acclaimed role, Washington shared that he has only a few remaining projects on his docket, including a role in the third Black Panther film and a return to Broadway in Othello.
“There are very few films left for me to make at this stage in my career,” the 69-year-old actor told Australia’s Today programme.
“For me, it’s about the filmmakers. Especially at this point, I am only interested in working with the best. I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. It’s probably not that many.”
A Handful of Final Projects
Washington outlined a slate of ambitious projects, beginning with his return to Broadway in February 2025 to play the titular role in Othello.
Reflecting on the significance of revisiting the Shakespearean character nearly 50 years after first playing him at age 22, Washington said, “I played Othello at 22. I am about to play Othello at 70.”
Beyond the stage, Washington revealed a series of collaborations with esteemed directors, including Steve McQueen and Ryan Coogler.
Among his final film roles is an adaptation of King Lear, as well as a Netflix production about the Carthaginian military leader Hannibal, directed by Antoine Fuqua, his longtime collaborator.
Washington also confirmed that he is working with Ryan Coogler, who is writing a role for him in the third instalment of Marvel’s Black Panther franchise.
“After that, I’m going to do the film Othello. After that, I’m going to do King Lear. After that, I’m going to retire,” Washington said.
While the Hannibal project has been officially announced, details about the other films, including McQueen’s and Coogler’s projects, remain under wraps.
A Legacy in Wakanda
Washington’s involvement in Black Panther 3 holds deep resonance following his connection to the late Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed King T’Challa in the first two films.
Boseman had previously revealed that Washington paid for some of his acting education, paving the way for his iconic role as Wakanda’s leader.
“There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington,” Boseman said during an AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony honouring Washington in 2019.
“My whole cast stands on your shoulders. The battles won, the territories gained, the many sacrifices you made for the culture lay the blueprints for us to follow.”
Reflecting on a Storied Career
Looking back on his career, Washington noted the highs and lows that have shaped his journey.
“After [1992’s] Malcolm X, I made some real clunkers,” he admitted. “They are all in the 1990s. But I was earning. I had responsibilities.”
He described the 2000s as a period of significant growth, starring in acclaimed films like The Hurricane and Training Day, which earned him his second Academy Award.
“In life, you learn, earn, and then you return,” he said, reflecting on his contributions to the industry.
The Final Curtain
As Washington prepares for his final projects, fans and peers alike are celebrating his legacy.
Known for his transformative performances, Washington leaves behind an indelible mark on Hollywood and the broader cultural landscape.
From his breakout role in Glory to his enduring influence in films like Fences and The Equalizer, Washington’s body of work is a testament to his talent and commitment to storytelling.
His upcoming roles, steeped in history, drama, and legacy, promise to cement his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
