Denzel Washington Talks Retirement After ‘Gladiator II’

After Gladiator II, Denzel Washington appears to be hinting at his retirement from acting because there are “very few movies left that interest me.”

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The Hollywood legend has seen and done it all. And that might be enough to make him feel like he’s ready to “walk away with something” after nearly 50 years. We’ve seen (and swooned over) Denzel as an angel, an inspiring teacher, a coach, an iconic leader, a former enslaved soldier, a vigilante, a Shakespeare Macbeth, Good cop, bad cop and everything in between. Now he seems ready to take on a new challenge.

In a recent interview with Empire MagazineDenzel spoke about his reunion with the Gladiator director of the sequel and what lies ahead in his epic career. Denzel and Ridley Scott have been a dynamic duo in Crimson Tide, The man on fire, Already seenAnd UnstoppableBut the star rarely expects the same spark for his future films.

“I have very few films left to make that interest me, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was hugely inspired by Ridley,” the Oscar winner said.

“We had a great lap in the first round (on American Gangster), and here we are,” he continued. “He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next movie. He’s an inspiration. We should all want to feel that way at 86.”

As BOSS As previously reported, Denzel has set the internet ablaze and aunts clearly thirsty with a first look at his silver fox Caesar cut. There’s no doubt that the Gladiator II The 69-year-old star still has a knack for acting, whether it’s playing or staying in shape. In this new role, he plays a wealthy arms dealer named Marcinus who “wants to be emperor and he’s willing to do anything to get there,” the 69-year-old actor told Empire.

What’s next for Denzel Washington outside of acting?

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Fans may have to keep their fingers crossed for the next time Denzel appears on screen. However, that doesn’t mean he’s done with movies. He’s proven himself brilliant on both sides of the camera, directing and starring in Antwone Fisher, The Great DebatersAnd Fences. In anticipation of the 2016 film adaptation of August Wilson’s play, Denzel announced that there are many more to come. He revealed plans to “produce the other nine” of Wilson’s Pittsburgh cycle spanning the 1900s.

“I’m really pleased about that – that (the estate) is entrusting it to me and trusting me. That’s good enough for me. It doesn’t get any better than that,” Washington said, adapting the pieces according to Deadline.

This commitment led to Ma Rainey’s Black Ass in 2020, starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman’s final performance. The adaptations continue in November with the highly anticipated The piano lessonstarring John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler and Samuel L. Jackson. It will also be the feature film debut of Denzel’s other son, Malcolm Washington.

In addition to supporting his sons who are following in his footsteps, Denzel has cemented his status as a Hollywood godfather. Over the years, he has handpicked and mentored A-list talent like Will Smith, Barry Jenkins, Michael B. Jordan, Chadwick Boseman, Glenn Powell and Austin Butler.

When you’re this busy and booked up behind the scenes, it’s understandable that your acting days could soon be over. If he changes his mind, Denzel Washington will once again have fans sitting (and excited) as Gladiator II public this November.