In a surprising twist, Denzel Washington might be stepping into Wakanda before he concludes his legendary career. The two-time Oscar winner recently hinted at an exciting potential collaboration with the Marvel Cinematic Universe on an Australian talk show, where he shared his interest in joining the Black Panther franchise before retiring.
Speaking on Australia’s “Today” show, Washington revealed that Ryan Coogler, director and co-writer of Marvel’s Black Panther (2018) and its sequel “Wakanda Forever” (2022), is reportedly crafting a custom role for him in a possible Black Panther 3 film. Washington, whose iconic performances in “Glory” and “Training Day” earned him accolades, emphasized that his final projects are being selected with great care and focus. “For me, it’s about the filmmaker, especially at this point in my career,” he said. “I’m only interested in working with the best. I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. It’s probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.”
Washington’s Upcoming Projects: A Career Full of Iconic Roles
At 69, Washington’s future projects are being thoughtfully chosen. Next, he will appear in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” and is set to return to the stage in a 2025 Broadway production of “Othello,” co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal. “I played Othello at 22. I am about to play Othello at 70,” Washington noted, speaking to his dedication to classic roles. After “Othello,” his upcoming schedule includes playing Hannibal, discussing a new film with Steve McQueen, and his potential Black Panther 3 collaboration with Coogler. Concluding the list, Washington hinted at eventually taking on King Lear before formally retiring from acting.
Marvel has not officially confirmed Black Panther 3 or Coogler’s participation in a third installment, and neither Disney nor Coogler’s representatives responded to requests for comments on Washington’s announcement.
Denzel Washington’s Impact on Black Panther and Chadwick Boseman’s Tribute
Washington’s connection to Black Panther runs deep, as the late Chadwick Boseman once shared that Washington played a crucial role in his early career. Boseman revealed that Washington had helped fund his acting tuition at Oxford University, which ultimately paved the way for his involvement in Black Panther. In a heartfelt tribute during the AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony in 2019, Boseman credited Washington for his influence on the film industry and the next generation of Black talent. “There is no ‘Black Panther’ without Denzel Washington,” Boseman said, honoring his mentor for the sacrifices and challenges he overcame throughout his career. Washington’s impact continues to resonate, and his potential role in Black Panther 3 would further solidify his legacy within the Marvel universe.
