August 25th 2024.
After a successful four-decade career in Hollywood, Denzel Washington has hinted at the possibility of taking a step back from acting. The 69-year-old has graced the silver screen with his remarkable performances in films such as Training Day, Malcolm X, and Glory, for which he received Oscars. He will soon appear in Ridley Scott's highly-anticipated sequel Gladiator II, alongside talented actors like Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal. However, Denzel has revealed that this blockbuster may be one of his last film credits.
In an interview with Deadline, the American Gangster actor shared, "There are very few films left for me to make that I'm interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker." He went on to explain that he was drawn to Ridley's vision for Gladiator II and was inspired enough to take on the role. Denzel, who previously won an Oscar for his performance in Malcolm X, also admitted that there are only a few films "left in him."
But, Denzel's fans need not worry as the actor has hinted at the possibility of working behind the camera instead. When asked about his experience working with Ridley on Gladiator II, Denzel gushed, "We had a great go-round the first time, and here we are again. He's engaged, he's excited about life, and his next film. He's an inspiration. We should all want to feel like that at 86." Denzel also teased that Gladiator II is "one of the best things" he has ever worked on, describing it as "full-bore, brutal action."
In Gladiator II, Denzel takes on the role of Macrinus, an Ancient Roman arms dealer. Not much is known about the plot, but the film will center on Paul Mescal's character, Lucius, who is captured and forced back to his hometown of Rome. There, he is confronted with the harsh realities of life after Commodus' fall.
This is not the first time Denzel has hinted at the possibility of stepping back from acting. In June, at the American Black Film Festival in Florida, he revealed, "The things that are going on for me professionally behind the camera are as important to me now as in front of the camera. I think there's less and less time I'll be spending in front of the camera."
With a long list of film credits, including Safe House and The Equalizer, Denzel has established himself as one of the most talented actors in the industry. However, he has also expressed his interest in exploring other roles in the film industry, particularly directing. In an interview with ET, he shared, "I'm in the yellow leaf of my career. To be quite honest, I'm looking to do other things. So as far as acting goes, it's gonna have to be an extreme challenge for me to be interested." He went on to reveal that he has been in talks with top directors about potential projects and even hinted at the possibility of taking on the iconic role of Lear in a future project.
As Denzel considers his options for the future, fans can look forward to his upcoming performance in Gladiator II, which he promises to be a thrilling and intense cinematic experience. And who knows, we may even see him take on new roles behind the camera in the near future.
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