The two-time Oscar winner appeared to tease his retirement in a new interview with Empire magazine, revealing that he has little interest in making any new films — except Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II.”
Washington, 69, stars as Macrinus in the upcoming action movie.
Denzel Washington plays Macrinus in “Gladiator II” from Paramount Pictures. Cuba Scott / Paramount Pictures Paul Mescal plays Lucius in the film. Aidan Monaghan / Paramount Pictures Movie poster highlighting Denzel Washington. Paramount Pictures
While promoting the project, the legendary actor expressed his lack of interest in movie-making, revealing the sword-swinging gladiator film was one of the only roles that got his engine revving lately.
“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,” Washington told Empire about why he agreed to join the highly anticipated “Gladiator” sequel .
The producer and director — who is arguably one of the best actors of his generation — did not disclose how many other roles are in his future.
Washington has paired up with Scott, 86, in the past. The duo teamed up for the 2007 thriller “American Gangster,” scoring several award nominations for their work on the film.
Paul Mescal and Director Ridley Scott on the movie set. Aidan Monaghan / Paramount Pictures Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in an action scene. Aidan Monaghan / Paramount Pictures
“We had a great go-round the first go-round and here we are. He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration,” Washington shared. “We should all want to feel like that at 86.”
Scott, who made the first Oscar-winning “Gladiator” film starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, and more, is confident about the sequel.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever made. One of the best things. I’ve made a few good ’uns… it’s full-bore, brutal action,” the award-winning director told the magazine in a separate interview.
Besides Washington, the sequel also stars Paul Mescal as the lead and Pedro Pascal.
Washington has been a heavyweight in Hollywood for nearly 50 years. He’s been acting since the late ’70s, starring in blockbusters like “Man on Fire,” “The Equalizer,” “The Book of Eli,” “The Bone Collector,” “Remember The Titans,” and many more.
He won Academy Awards for his performances in “Glory” (1989) and “Training Day” (2001).
Denzel Washington is seen in character in the film “Training Day.” AP Photo Denzel Washington in a scene from ‘The Hurricane.” Ken Regan
This isn’t the first time he’s talked about stepping away from acting.
In July, Washington appeared on a panel at the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach and said, “The things that are going on for me professionally behind the camera are as important to me now as in front of the camera.”
Halle Berry, left, and Denzel Washington hold their Academy awards, the first time black actors received both best-actor and best-actress statues, in 2002. AP Photo Best actor winner Denzel Washington during the Governor’s Ball at the 74th annual Academy Awards. AP
“I think there’s less and less time I’ll be spending in front of the camera.”
He’s been dropping hints for a while.
“I’m in the yellow leaf of my career. To be quite honest, looking to do other things. So as far as acting, it’s gonna have to be an extreme challenge for me to be interested,” Washington told Entertainment Tonight in 2021. I’ve been talking to one or two of the top directors in the business, and we’re talking about maybe doing something. There’s not that much left for me to do as actor.”
“Gladiators II’ hits theaters on November 22, 2024.
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