Denzel Washington Set to Retire After Iconic Final Roles, Including 'Black Panther 3'

Denzel Washington's career spans more than four decades and has been a household name for most millennials' lives.

Washington revealed that he plans to retire from acting after completing several upcoming projects. Best known for his iconic performances in films like Malcolm X (1992), Training Day (2001), American Gangster (2007), and The Equalizer franchise, the 69-year-old actor has driven people to the box office worldwide with his skill, charisma, and versatility.

During a recent interview on Today, Washington confirmed that retirement is on the horizon, with a final set of roles he’s carefully chosen.

For the past few months, excitement has been building around Denzel Washington joining Ridley Scott's Gladiator II. Washington is also set to star in a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, a project that will reunite him with longtime collaborator Spike Lee. In the interview, Washington shared, “I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. Probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.”

Washington, who first played Othello at the age of 22, is set to revisit the character, bringing a lifetime of experience to the role. “I’ve played Othello at 22, I’m about to play Othello at 70,” Washington said. “After that I’m going to do King Lear. After that I’m going to retire.”

Washington’s retirement lineup also includes a film with acclaimed director Steve McQueen. Additionally, Washington revealed that he will be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Black Panther 3, with Ryan Coogler writing a role specifically for him.

Here’s a look at his planned final roles:

• A military epic about Hannibal: Washington is set to star in a film about Hannibal, the Carthaginian general and tactician, one of history’s most celebrated military leaders.

• Black Panther 3: Ryan Coogler is writing a part specifically for Washington in the third installment of the Marvel franchise.

• A new film with Steve McQueen: The project’s details are under wraps, but Washington’s involvement with the 12 Years a Slave director is sure to produce an impactful film.

• A film adaptation of Othello: Washington will once again take on the role of Othello, nearly 50 years after first playing the character.

• King Lear: Rounding out his career with one of Shakespeare’s most complex characters, Washington will tackle the role of King Lear, a part that has challenged and captivated actors for centuries.