Denzel Washington is headed to Wakanda.
During an interview promoting his upcoming film Gladiator II on Australia’s Today Show (November 11), Denzel casually revealed that Black Panther writer-director Ryan Coogler is writing a role specifically for him in the next sequel.
“For me, it’s about the filmmaker. Especially at this point in my career, I’m only interested in working with the best,” the 69-year-old actor shared when asked about his excitement for the Ridley Scott, Paul Mescal-led film.
“I don’t know how many more films I’m gonna make, probably not that many. I wanna do things I haven’t done,” he added.
Denzel also mentioned several upcoming projects, including his portrayal of Othello on Broadway with Jake Gyllenhaal, a role he originally took on at age 22 and is revisiting at 70.
“After that, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther.”
After that, I’m gonna do the film Othello. After that, I’m gonna do King Lear. After that, I’m gonna retire.”
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Denzel’s involvement with Black Panther carries deep significance for the actor, especially given the connection to late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.
In 2019, at the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award ceremony, Boseman paid a heartfelt tribute to Denzel, acknowledging that Washington had quietly financed the acting course that helped launch his career.
“There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington,” Boseman declared. “My whole cast; that generation stands on your shoulders. The daily battles won, the thousand territories gained, the mini sacrifices you made for the culture on film sets through your career. The things you refused to comprise along the way laid the blueprints for us to follow.”
Reflecting on the tribute, Denzel shared his admiration for Boseman’s career and success, emphasizing how thrilled he was for the actor, who had blossomed into a brilliant talent.
“When I found out it was him, he wasn’t known yet,” Washington explained. “But it obviously worked out very well for him and he had great success and was a brilliant actor.”
