Denzel Washington is making a significant decision that could change his career trajectory. The 69-year-old actor recently disclosed his intention to step back from Hollywood after completing his current lineup of acting projects. “I’m not sure how many more films I’ll be a part of. Likely not many,” Washington shared during an interview with Australia’s Today on Monday. “I’m eager to explore roles I haven’t tackled before. I played Othello at 22, and I’m set to play him again at 70. Following that, I’ll be portraying Hannibal. I’ve also been in discussions with Steve McQueen about a film project. Additionally, Ryan Coogler is crafting a role for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’”

He further added, “After that, I plan to take on the role of Othello. Then, I’ll do ‘King Lear.’ And after that, I intend to retire.” Washington’s career began with the 1977 television film “Wilma” and continued with the 1981 film “Carbon Copy.”

In the meantime, “Black Panther” has solidified itself as one of the MCU’s flagship franchises. The 2018 film, featuring Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael B. Jordan, grossed over $1.3 billion at the box office. Boseman passed away at 43 in 2020 due to colon cancer. The 2022 sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” paid homage to the late actor and continued the narrative of Wakanda and its people.

Currently, Washington is concentrating on promoting “Gladiator II,” the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s 2000 action film. Set two decades after the original “Gladiator,” the sequel stars Paul Mescal as the grown-up Lucius Verus II, the son of Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus. Lucius is forced into slavery and becomes a gladiator to gain his freedom, mirroring his father’s journey in the first film. Washington plays Macrinus, a former slave and Lucius’ mentor. The actor hinted at his potential retirement in August.

“There aren’t many films left that I’m keen on making,” Washington told Empire magazine. “I need to be moved by the filmmaker, and I was deeply inspired by Ridley.” The duo previously collaborated on the 2007 film, “American Gangster.” “We had a fantastic experience the first time around [on ‘American Gangster’], and here we are again,” Washington continued. “He’s engaged. He’s enthusiastic about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration.” “We should all aspire to feel that way at 86,” the star added.

During a recent appearance on the UK’s “Graham Norton Show,” Mescal, 28, expressed his excitement about meeting the Oscar winner on set. “It was a major day in my life — it was incredible. I spent the first day thinking, ‘I must go introduce myself to him,’ and I stood there for several minutes before deciding, ‘Not today,’” the actor recalled. “The next day, I decided to be brave.”

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