Current:Home > InvestDenzel Washington teases retirement — and a role in 'Black Panther 3' -Quantum Capital Pro
Denzel Washington teases retirement — and a role in 'Black Panther 3'
View
Date:2025-04-12 16:12:21
Denzel Washington is almost ready to ride off into the sunset — but not before heading to Wakanda.
The Oscar-winning "Gladiator II" star, 69, revealed in an interview with Australia's "Today" that he is eyeing retirement and claimed he will join the "Black Panther" franchise.
Washington revealed he does not expect to make "that many" more movies and that after a series of projects he has coming up, "I'm going to retire." He then casually dropped a bombshell: "Ryan Coogler's writing a part for me in the next 'Black Panther.'"
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Disney and Washington for comment.
Washington's alleged involvement in a third "Black Panther" has not been confirmed, nor has the film officially been announced. It has also not been confirmed that Coogler will direct a third "Black Panther" movie. The director headed outside the MCU for his next movie, the horror film "Sinners" starring Michael B. Jordan, which hits theaters in March.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Washington is currently earning Oscar buzz for his role as Macrinus in "Gladiator II," the sequel to Ridley Scott's Best Picture winner. The actor told "Today" that he next plans to play Othello, Hannibal, King Lear and star in a film from "12 Years a Slave" director Steve McQueen. He is also expected to reunite with Spike Lee in an upcoming A24 movie.
Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox.
If Washington's "Black Panther" role goes ahead, it would be his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The "Training Day" star has previously expressed admiration for "Black Panther," stating in a 2018 interview with JOE that he cried watching the original 2018 film.
Following the death of star Chadwick Boseman from cancer, "Black Panther" returned in 2022 with the sequel "Wakanda Forever," which dealt with the death of Boseman's King T'Challa and passed the superhero torch onto his sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright).
'Wakanda Forever':How the women of 'Black Panther' weathered grief together
On "The View" in June, Wright played coy on the status of "Black Panther 3" or her potential involvement in the next "Avengers" films but teased, "There's a lot coming up."
Washington has talked about his potential retirement before, telling Empire magazine in August, "There are very few films left for me to make that I'm interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley (Scott)."
Gladiator 2' review:Yes, we are entertained again by outrageous sequel
Chadwick Boseman once said there 'is no 'Black Panther'' without Washington
Washington may not have previously appeared in the "Black Panther" series, but he did have a connection with its original star, Boseman. He produced "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," Boseman's final film before his death.
'Gladiator II' trailerteases Paul Mescal fighting Pedro Pascal — and a rhinoceros
During an American Film Institute tribute in 2019, Boseman also shared that Washington once "gracefully and privately" paid for his and eight other students' tuition for an acting program at the British American Drama Academy.
"Imagine receiving a letter that your tuition for that summer was paid for, and that your benefactor was none other than the dopest actor on the planet," Boseman said, adding, "There is no 'Black Panther' without Denzel Washington."
veryGood! (92)
Related
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Judge hears case over Montana rule blocking trans residents from changing sex on birth certificate
- After years of unrest, Commanders have reinvented their culture and shattered expectations
- Diamond Sports Group can emerge out of bankruptcy after having reorganization plan approved
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Powerball winning numbers for Nov. 13 drawing: Jackpot rises to $113 million
- Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue and Billy Porter to perform at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
- US wholesale inflation picks up slightly in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Nelly will not face charges after St. Louis casino arrest for drug possession
Ranking
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Satire publication The Onion buys Alex Jones’ Infowars at auction with help from Sandy Hook families
- Businesses at struggling corner where George Floyd was killed sue Minneapolis
- Judge weighs the merits of a lawsuit alleging ‘Real Housewives’ creators abused a cast member
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Eva Longoria Shares She and Her Family Have Moved Out of the United States
- Pete Alonso's best free agent fits: Will Mets bring back Polar Bear?
- High-scoring night in NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo explodes for 59, Victor Wembanyama for 50
Recommendation
Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian Team Up for SKIMS Collab With Dolce & Gabbana After Feud
More human remains from Philadelphia’s 1985 MOVE bombing have been found at a museum
Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow's Son Moses Martin Reveals His Singing Talents at Concert
Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
High-scoring night in NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo explodes for 59, Victor Wembanyama for 50
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chancellor to step down at end of academic year
UFC 309: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight card, odds, how to watch, date