Denzel Washington Teases Retirement with Surprise Role in ‘Black Panther 3’!

Renowned actor Denzel Washington might be making a trip to the fictional land of Wakanda before he finally bows out of his prosperous acting profession. His journey will coincide with a rich lineup of movies.

During a chat on a talk show from Australia this week, the two-time Academy Award winner hinted at a possible role in the Marvel’s “Black Panther” series, affirming that “Black Panther 3” could be one of his last endeavors before he hangs up his acting boots.

The star of acclaimed movies like “Glory” and “Training Day” mentioned that director Ryan Coogler, who directed and co-authored the 2018 Marvel sensation and its 2022 follow-up, “Wakanda Forever,” is crafting a unique role for Washington in the possible third sequel. He disclosed this while discussing his enthusiasm about collaborating with Ridley Scott on the impending “Gladiator II” movie.

“For me, it’s about the filmmaker, particularly at this juncture of my career. I’m strictly keen on working with the best,” Washington shared on Australia’s “Today.” “I’m not sure how many more movies I’ll be part of. It’s likely not that many. I aim to do things I have not done before.”

The 69-year-old actor, who will soon be seen in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” revealed what remains for him in his acting journey.

“I portrayed Othello at 22. I’m about to portray Othello at 70,” he stated, referring to the 2025 Broadway staging of the tragedy featuring Jake Gyllenhaal. “After that, I’m portraying Hannibal. Then, I’m in discussions with Steve McQueen about a movie. Then, Ryan Coogler is creating a role for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’ Subsequent to that, I’ll be in the movie ‘Othello.’ Following that, I’ll portray King Lear. Subsequent to that, I’ll retire.”

Marvel hasn’t confirmed a third “Black Panther” movie, let alone Coogler’s participation in another sequel of the successful series. Representatives for Coogler did not comment immediately on Tuesday to The Times’ queries. A spokesperson for Disney told The Times that the studio hasn’t announced a “Black Panther 3” and refrained from commenting further on Washington’s statements.

Washington had an indirect role in the success of “Black Panther,” according to its late lead, Chadwick Boseman. Boseman, who portrayed T’Challa, disclosed that Washington had a significant contribution: he paid for Boseman’s summer acting course at Oxford University.

“Without Denzel Washington, there is no ‘Black Panther,’” Boseman stated in 2019 while paying tribute to Washington with an AFI Life Achievement Award.

“And it’s not just about me. But my entire cast, that generation, rests on your shoulders,” he added. “The daily victories won, the thousand territories claimed, the numerous sacrifices you made for the culture on film sets throughout your career, the things you refused to compromise along the route provide us the blueprints to follow. So now, let the one who has nourished be nourished. Let the one who has given receive.”

Boseman, who succumbed to colon cancer in 2020, expressed that it was a privilege to know, learn from, and collaborate with Washington.