Denzel Washington says he’s nearing retirement, but not before ‘Black Panther 3’

FILE-Denzel Washington attends the “Gladiator II” Premiere at Pathe Palace on November 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Denzel Washington gave a glimpse into his future career plans, explaining during a recent interview that after he completes a few movie projects, he is planning to retire.
The two-time Oscar winner told Australia’s “Today Show” that the films he decides to be a part of are “about the filmmaker,” and he is “only interested in working with the best.”
Washington, who is one of the stars of “Gladiator II” which hits theaters on Nov. 22, did an interview with his fellow co-stars Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen, where he offered details on his upcoming film projects. 
RELATED: ‘Gladiator II’ trailer released: Cast includes Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal 
The “Training Day” star told the news outlet that director Ryan Coogler is writing a role for him in “Black Panther 3.”  But Marvel has not officially announced a third “Black Panther” movie, Business Insider and CNN reported. 
“I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make,” Washington told Australia’s “Today Show.” “Probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.” 
He also mentioned he will play the ancient military general Hannibal in an upcoming Netflix film, and then he will reprise the role of Othello in a Broadway version of William Shakespeare’s play. 
“I played Othello at 22, I’m now going to play it at 70,” he continued. “After that, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’ After that, I’m going to do the film ‘Othello.’ After that, I’m going to do ‘King Lear.’ After that, I’m going to retire.”
The actor, producer, and director has starred in dozens of films throughout his career, including  “Inside Man,” “The Equalizer” franchise, “American Gangster,” “Fences,” and “The Book of Eli,” according to IMDB.  
Information for this story was provided by Australia’s “Today Show,” Business Insider, CNN, and IMDB. Australia’s “Today Show” interviewed Denzel Washington when he talked about retirement. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.