From the time he gained prominence in the 1984 film, “A Soldier’s Story,” Denzel Washington has been dominating our screens ever since. With an acting career that spans over 40 years, one might wonder if the veteran actor has finally reached the point of retirement...especially since he hinted to it this past summer.
Well, in an exclusive interview with The Root ahead of his highly-anticipated film, “Gladiator II,” the Oscar-winning actor finally spoke out about whether or not he’s about to say goodbye to Hollywood. In the forthcoming film, Washington stars as Macrinus—a former slave turned arms dealer whose sights are set on controlling Rome for his own gain.
Early promotional photos of Washington in the film subsequently went viral over the summertime with many folks buzzing about his villainous role. But not too long after, he threw Hollywood in a tizzy back in August when he seemingly alluded to his acting career nearly being over and retiring.
When asked about whether or not he’s actually going to depart from our screens, Washington admitted that retirement was definitely on the horizon but that—if this is the start of his last leg in the industry—he’s grateful to kick it off with “Gladiator II” director Ridley Scott. For context, the two previously worked together in another one of Washington’s most iconic films, “American Gangster.”
“I don’t know how much longer I have in my career but I want to finish with the best work and work with the best directors. And if this is the beginning of the end of my career, then it started with one of the greatest directors—with Ridley [Scott],” he told The Root.
Additionally, when pressed for more info about what the next half of his life would consist of, Washington revealed plans to write books, get back to doing theater work and collaborating with popular Black directors like Ryan Coogler and Steve McQueen for future projects—though he kept those details at a minimum.
“I got some books I want to write. I’m not done yet, I’m not done yet! I got some bills I got to pay. I’m not done yet,” the “Training Day” star told The Root with a laugh. “I’m getting ready to go on the stage at the first of the year [2025] to do ‘Othello.’ You can’t top that writing and whatever comes after that has to be as good as that.”
“Gladiator II” hits theaters November 22.