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Denzel Washington Announces Final Film Roles, Including ‘Black Panther 3’
Stepping onto new stages: an icon’s farewell to cinema
Denzel Washington, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence, has announced that “there are very few films” left for him to undertake in his illustrious, Oscar-winning career. But one of those select few is “Black Panther 3”, a fascinating revelation that has piqued the interest of fans and industry insiders alike. Washington shared this news during an interview on Australia’s “Today” show while promoting “Gladiator II”.
A carefully curated exit
Selecting the best projects
“For me, it’s about the filmmakers. Especially at this point in my career, I am only interested in working with the best,” Washington said emphatically. He acknowledged that his filmography would soon come to an end, stating, ”I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. It’s probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.”
This meticulous selection process highlights Washington’s commitment to not just any project, but those that challenge and fulfill his creative aspirations. He mentioned an upcoming role in a project directed by Steve McQueen and a film adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Othello” as additional entries in his final chapter.
Revisiting past roles
The evolution of Othello
“I played Othello at 22. I am about to play Othello at 70,” Washington remarked, a testament to his enduring connection with the Bard’s work. This new production of “Othello”, co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal, is set to debut on Broadway in February 2025.
Washington’s return to Othello is not merely a revisitation but a reimagining. His portrayal is expected to bring a depth born from decades of experience — a role that once defined his early career now takes on new nuances as he approaches it with the wisdom gained over years.
Diverse cinematic endeavors
Following Othello, Washington plans to tackle various roles that span a wide spectrum of genres and historical periods. He will be portraying Hannibal, the ancient Carthaginian general, in a war movie directed by Antoine Fuqua and backed by Netflix. This character demands a powerful and strategic presence, a natural fit for Washington’s commanding screen presence.
Collaboration with Ryan Coogler
Simultaneously, Ryan Coogler is crafting a part for him in the highly anticipated “Black Panther 3”. While Marvel has yet to officially announce the sequel, the immense success of the franchise suggests that this third installment will be another landmark in comic book cinema.
Full circle moments: honoring legacies
Chadwick Boseman’s tribute
Washington’s involvement in “Black Panther 3” is particularly poignant given his connection to the late Chadwick Boseman. Before his untimely passing in 2020, Boseman had credited Washington with financing his acting school one summer, famously stating, “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”
At the AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony in 2019, Boseman delivered a powerful tribute: *”My whole cast stands on your shoulders.
