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Since 2021, Denzel Washington has hinted at retiring from acting. As his career comes full circle with ‘Gladiator II,’ fans wonder what’s next.
Denzel Washington‘s acting career has come full circle. Does this signal the conclusion of 42 years spent in the spotlight? When director Ridley Scott approached the 69-year-old about starring in Gladiator II, Washington could not turn down the chance to work with the esteemed director on the epic sequel set in Ancient Rome. As Denzel shines in one of his more acrimonious roles, he’s hinted at retirement.
Will Denzel Washington retire from acting after ‘Gladiator II’?
Denzel Washington stars in Gladiator II as Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer who will do whatever it takes to become emperor. Set more than 20 years after the death of Russell Crowe’s Maximus in Gladiator, the sequel follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), one of Macrinus’s gladiators and mentees, who he employs to battle in the famed Colosseum. Mescal was naturally intimidated to work with a legend like Washington. “I built it up in my head,” he told GQ. But he realized, “I have a job to do.”
As Mescal’s career continues to heat up, Washington’s role in Gladiator II may hint at his final curtain call. “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in,” the Malcolm X star explained to Empire. “And I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley.” Washington didn’t need to take a risk with Scott. The duo previously filmed American Gangster together, with Washington calling the 2007 action-thriller a “great go-round” together.
Washington’s acting career comes full circle with Ridley Scott
Washington previously worked with Ridley Scott’s brother, Tony Scott. If you like Unstoppable, Déjà Vu, Man on Fire, or Crimson Tide, then you’re a fan of a Denzel Washington-Tony Scott production. In 2012, Ridley’s younger brother died by suicide after a lengthy battle with cancer. Washington described the late director as a “genuine friend,” telling E! News, “It is unfathomable to think that he is now gone. He had a tremendous passion for life and for the art of filmmaking.”
Now, Washington hesitates to compare the brothers’ directorial skills. “You see the different personalities,” the Glory star explains to Empire. I suppose they do [have similarities]. On the days when we’re shooting, I’m busy with what I’m doing. So I’m not comparing this one to that one, but obviously, both are great filmmakers. They can’t miss.” As Washington’s acting résumé returns full circle to his American Gangster collaborator, they’ve presumably reflected on Tony’s life and career.
Denzel Washington will still have a lot going on in retirement
Washington may have said it best as early as 2021, when he told ET, “I’m in the yellow leaf of my career. To be quite honest, looking to do other things. So as far as film acting, it’s gonna have to be an extreme challenge for me to be interested.” The Oscar winner has many other irons in the fire. In 2025, Washington will star alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the Broadway revival of William Shakespeare’s play Othello.
Washington is also a devoted family man, married to Pauletta Washington since 1983. Together, they have four children, John David, Katia, and twins Olivia and Malcolm, who are also involved in entertainment. Known for his philanthropy, Denzel has donated to many causes, including education and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where he’s served as a spokesperson since 1993. The Flight star is also passionate about his faith and has supported projects fostering community and youth empowerment. We certainly anticipate the Hollywood icon staying busy whenever he retires from acting.