Denzel Washington epitomizes cinematic excellence, known for his remarkable range and profound performances that resonate with audiences around the globe. With a career spanning decades, he stands out as one of the most talented and in-demand actors in contemporary cinema. His films have repeatedly achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, earning him numerous prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards for his roles in Glory and Training Day.
In 2020, The New York Times honored Washington by naming him the greatest actor of the 21st century, a title reflecting his immense contributions to film (source: The New York Times). His exceptional talent continues to shine, and audiences eagerly anticipate several exciting upcoming projects that will showcase his dedication to storytelling. Historically, Washington’s characters have served as powerful vessels for exploring themes such as struggle, moral ambiguity, and resilience, and fans are hopeful he will maintain this trajectory in future roles.
1
Black Panther 3
Release Date TBA
Although a formal release date for the next Black Panther film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe has not yet been announced, Denzel Washington has confirmed that he will join Ryan Coogler’s project. This will mark Washington’s debut in a Marvel film, a collaboration that has been eagerly anticipated by fans for years. Coogler, the visionary director behind the first two Black Panther films, adeptly transformed the franchise to honor Shuri following the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman. Details regarding Washington’s specific role remain undisclosed.
In a recent interview, Washington elaborated on his upcoming film projects, stating:
I played Othello at 22, I’m now going to play it 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.
The timeline for the film’s release remains uncertain, as speculation arises regarding its plot. If anticipated developments in the MCU mirror the comics, the next Avengers films could unfold within a new realm, Battleworld, following the multiverse collapse. If this theory holds, Washington might portray an alternate version of Black Panther. Conversely, if the film takes place on Earth after those events, the possibilities for Washington’s character become even more expansive.
2
Highest 2 Lowest
Release Date TBA
Another noteworthy venture for Washington is Highest 2 Lowest, a modern reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s iconic thriller High and Low. This movie stands to be the fifth collaboration between Washington and acclaimed director Spike Lee, known for their successful partnership on films like Malcolm X and Inside Man. The original film centers on a corporate executive faced with a harrowing decision: use a substantial sum of money to secure a company or to ransom his chauffeur’s abducted son.
While casting for Highest 2 Lowest has not yet been confirmed, Washington’s previous roles suggest he would be well-suited for the complex lead role of the executive, originally portrayed by Toshirō Mifune in Kurosawa’s version. Given Washington’s talent for embracing morally intricate characters, he could effectively bring this morally ambiguous narrative to life. Furthermore, the adaptation promises to tackle contemporary issues related to class struggles in society.
Though Lee’s history with remakes has been inconsistent, as seen with his 2013 adaptation of Oldboy, Washington’s involvement is likely to elevate this project significantly. His remarkable talent and on-screen presence will add depth to the examination of ethics, societal dynamics, and wealth.
3
Joe Turner’s Come And Gone
Release Date TBA
Washington has also recently announced plans to adapt another of August Wilson’s celebrated plays, Joe Turner’s Come And Gone. Wilson, renowned for his impactful works such as Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, and Fences, has profoundly influenced American theater. Washington previously demonstrated his aptitude for Wilson’s narratives with the adaptation of Fences in 2016, where he played a pivotal role both in front of and behind the camera. He is set to release another adaptation, The Piano Lesson, on Netflix in November 2024.
In terms of Joe Turner’s Come And Gone, the story focuses on Herald Loomis, who returns to Pittsburgh in the early 1900s in search of his missing wife. Whether Washington will take on the titular role himself or merely produce the film remains unclear, but regardless, fans can expect a fresh and insightful interpretation of this significant narrative.
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Denzel Washington’s Latest Movies |
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|
Title |
Character |
RT Critics Score |
RT Audience Score |
Box Office |
|
The Equalizer 3 (2023) |
Robert McCall |
76% |
94% |
$191 million |
|
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) |
Macbeth |
92% |
75% |
N/A |
|
The Little Things (2021) |
Joe Deacon |
45% |
67% |
$30 million |
Washington’s potential portrayal of Herald could be remarkable, especially given his willingness to tackle complex roles that reflect racial themes in America. With formidable performances in movies such as Malcolm X and Training Day, Washington’s understanding of Wilson’s work positions him to create dialogue that beautifully merges his prowess as an actor with the play’s profound themes. While specifics about his role are still speculative, Washington’s extensive experience in Hollywood ensures a strong presence in the film.
4
Untitled Hannibal Movie
Release Date TBA
Washington is also set to play the historic figure Hannibal in an upcoming untitled movie directed by Antoine Fuqua, a collaboration that promises to further enhance the duo’s impressive track record. The pair has already teamed up on groundbreaking projects, including the Equalizer series and the critically acclaimed Training Day. While much about the film remains under wraps, Washington’s involvement as Hannibal—the legendary Carthaginian general—has both intrigued and sparked discussion regarding historical accuracy and representation in cinema.
With past roles portraying iconic figures, such as boxer Rubin “The Hurricane”Carter in The Hurricane, and civil rights activist Malcolm X, Washington’s portrayal of Hannibal is anticipated to be a significant milestone in his career. Known for his ability to convey both menacing presence and emotional depth, Washington is expected to bring the larger-than-life character of Hannibal to the silver screen with unprecedented vigor.
DID YOU KNOW: Denzel Washington’s film debut was in the movie Wilma (1977) at the age of 22.
Hannibal is credited with leading Carthaginian forces against Rome and is famously remembered for his audacious crossing of the Alps with war elephants. Washington’s compelling portrayal of this historical icon is sure to draw audiences in, as his skill set is ideally suited for such a formidable role. Despite debates regarding the movie’s historical representations, Washington’s stature as an actor will undoubtedly shine through as a highlight of this cinematic endeavor.
Sources: The New York Times, Empire.
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