Is it time for Denzel Washington to retire from acting?
The two-time Oscar winner hinted at retirement in a new interview with Empire magazine, revealing that he has little interest in new movies aside from Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2.
Washington, 69, will play the role of Macrinus in the upcoming action movie.
Denzel Washington stars as Macrinus in Paramount Pictures’ Gladiator II. Cuba Scott / Paramount Pictures Paul Mescal stars as Lucious in the film. Aidan Monaghan / Paramount Pictures Film poster featuring Denzel Washington. Paramount Pictures
While promoting the project, the legendary actor said he has no interest in filmmaking, revealing that the sword-wielding gladiator movie is one of the few roles that’s gotten his engines going lately.
“There are very few movies left that I’m interested in making. I have to take inspiration from filmmakers, and Ridley was a huge inspiration to me,” Washington told Empire magazine about why he agreed to star in the long-awaited Gladiator sequel.
The producer and director, arguably one of the best actors of his generation, declined to say how many other roles he has in the works.
Washington has worked with the 86-year-old Scott before, when they worked together on the 2007 thriller “American Gangster,” for which they were nominated for multiple awards.
Paul Mescal and director Ridley Scott on the set of the film. Aidan Monahan/Paramount Pictures Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in an action scene. Aidan Monahan/Paramount Pictures
“It started out great and now it’s here. He’s crazy. He’s excited about life and his next movie. He’s an inspiration,” Washington said. “And I think that’s how we all want to feel at 86.”
Scott, who made the first Oscar-winning “Gladiator” film starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and Connie Nielsen, is confident about the sequel.
“This is the best film I’ve ever made. One of the best films I’ve made. I’ve made some good films but … this is full-on, brutal action,” the award-winning director told the magazine in a separate interview.
Scott can’t stop raving about the movie.
“It’s just as good as the first one,” he told People magazine at the Alien: Romulus premiere on August 12. “I’m not saying it’s better. It’s just as good.”
In addition to Washington, the sequel will feature Paul Mescal in the title role and Pedro Pascal.
Washington has been a Hollywood stalwart for nearly five decades, having been active as an actor since the late ’70s and starring in numerous blockbuster hits, including Man on Fire, The Equalizer, The Book of Eli, The Bone Collector and Remember the Titans.
He won Academy Awards for his performances in Glory (1989) and Training Day (2001).
Denzel Washington in the 2004 film “Man on Fire.” ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection Denzel Washington in the film “Training Day.” AP Photo Denzel Washington in a scene from the film “The Hurricane.” Ken Regan
This isn’t the first time he has spoken about retiring from acting.
“For me, what’s going on professionally behind the camera is just as important as what’s going on in front of it,” Washington said during a panel at the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach in July.
Halle Berry, left, and Denzel Washington, right, hold their Academy Awards. In 2002, a black actor was the first to win both the Best Actor and Best Actress awards. AP Photo Best Actor winner Denzel Washington at the Governors Ball during the 74th Academy Awards. AP
“I think I’m going to have less and less time in front of the camera.”
He’s been dropping hints for a while now.
“I’m at the end of my career, and to be honest with you, I want to do other things, so as far as acting goes, it’s going to be a huge challenge to be interested in,” Washington told Entertainment Tonight in 2021. “I’ve been talking to one or two of the top directors in the industry about doing something. There’s not a lot left for me to do as an actor.”
Gladiator II will hit theaters on November 22, 2024.