Denzel Washington fans may be wondering if the actor is nearing retirement following his recent comments to Empire magazine.
During the interview, the Oscar winner spoke about his motivations for starring in Ridley Scott’s upcoming film, Gladiator 2, which is set nearly 20 years after the original movie.
“There are very few films left that I’m interested in making. I have to take inspiration from filmmakers, and Ridley was a huge inspiration to me,” Washington told the magazine. “It was a great experience in the beginning. [on American Gangster]and here we are.”
Some of the “Equalizer 3” star’s favorite collaborations have been with the late Tony Scott, the brother of the “Gladiator” filmmaker, who passed away in 2012, but he was excited to team up with Ridley Scott again several years after the 2007 film “American Gangster.”
“Needless to say, they’re both incredible filmmakers,” Washington added, “and their performances are not to be missed.” Working together on Gladiator II, the Training Day actor recalled the energy Scott brought to the set.
“He’s crazy. He’s excited about life and his next movie. He’s an inspiration,” he said. “And that’s how we want to feel at 86.”
Washington didn’t say how many upcoming films he will appear in, but fans can at least look forward to seeing him play Macrinus in Gladiator II. Macrinus is a wealthy arms dealer who “want to be emperor and will do anything to get it,” the actor explained.
The sequel also stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn and is scheduled to hit theaters on November 22nd.