Denzel Washington, known for his iconic roles and currently starring in Gladiator II, has revealed his plans to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Black Panther 3.
The legendary actor, who’s known for carefully choosing his roles, indicated that his part in the next Black Panther film is among the select projects he wants to take on before retiring from acting.
In an interview with Variety, Washington shared insights on his career philosophy, emphasizing that he now only accepts roles that align with his high standards and artistic ambitions.
“For me, it’s about the filmmakers,” he said. “At this stage, I want to work with the best. I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make, but I want to do things I haven’t done.” His remarks reflect a career marked by excellence, as he approaches each project with a discerning eye.
Alongside his announcement of joining Black Panther 3, Washington also discussed his upcoming roles, including his return to Shakespeare as Othello in a Broadway production with Jake Gyllenhaal, as well as playing the historical figure Hannibal.
He also mentioned ongoing discussions with acclaimed director Steve McQueen about a new film.
Washington’s choice to join the Black Panther franchise highlights his admiration for director Ryan Coogler and suggests a major addition to the Marvel series.
Given the success of the first two Black Panther movies, which introduced beloved characters and expanded Marvel’s global reach, Washington’s involvement could bring a new level of gravitas and excitement to the third installment.
Marvel’s tradition of giving their key characters three standalone films is a pattern seen with Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Ant-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Spider-Man. With the continuation of the Black Panther legacy, fans can expect Washington’s addition to add a fresh layer of depth to the Wakandan narrative.
Meanwhile, Washington’s role in Gladiator II under director Ridley Scott marks his continued commitment to working with legendary filmmakers.
The film, which tells the story of Lucius (Paul Mescal), a young man drawn into the turmoil of ancient Rome, stars an impressive cast including Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Connie Nielsen. Gladiator II is slated for release on November 22, 2024, adding to the excitement surrounding Washington’s recent announcements.
