Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, has announced plans to step back from acting following a series of final projects, potentially marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over four decades.

The 69-year-old actor shared his intentions in an interview with Australia’s Today on Monday, indicating that his upcoming roles could be his last in film.

Denzel Washington says he will retire from acting after his next batch of films:

• A film about the military leader Hannibal

• ‘Black Panther 3’, Ryan Coogler is writing him a part

• A new film with Steve McQueen

• A film adaption of ‘Othello’

• ‘King Lear’ project pic.twitter.com/f6R3hSYiex

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“I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. Probably not that many,” Washington said, hinting at a limited future in the industry.

He outlined a lineup of significant roles still ahead, saying, “I want to do things I haven’t done. I’ve played Othello at 22, I’m about to play Othello at 70. After that I’m playing Hannibal. After that I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next Black Panther.” Washington concluded, “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.”

Denzel Washington says that Ryan Coogler is currently writing a role for him in the next “Black Panther” film

He also says he’s going to retire after a few more films pic.twitter.com/2qaiudtBdF

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Washington has been a staple in Hollywood since his debut in the 1977 made-for-television film Wilma, followed by his role in the 1981 movie Carbon Copy.

He has built a legacy of powerful performances across genres, with credits including Training Day, Glory, and Malcolm X.

One of Washington’s planned projects includes a role in the Black Panther franchise, following in the legacy of Chadwick Boseman, the lead actor who passed away in 2020 from colon cancer at the age of 43.

The original Black Panther film, which debuted in 2018, became one of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most iconic films, grossing over $1.3 billion globally.

The 2022 sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, served as a tribute to Boseman, expanding on the story of Wakanda and its people.

In addition to his future work in Black Panther, Washington is currently promoting Gladiator II, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s acclaimed 2000 film.

Set over 20 years after the original, Gladiator II stars Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus II, the son of Maximus, the character played by Russell Crowe in the original.

Washington portrays Macrinus, a former slave and mentor to Lucius, a role that reunites him with director Ridley Scott after their collaboration on American Gangster in 2007.

Reflecting on his motivation for Gladiator II, Washington told Empire magazine, “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in. I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley.” He expressed admiration for Scott’s passion and dedication to filmmaking at 86 years old, saying, “We should all want to feel like that at 86.”

Paul Mescal, who stars alongside Washington in Gladiator II, recently shared his experience meeting the Oscar-winning actor on set.

Appearing on the UK’s Graham Norton Show, Mescal recounted the nerve-wracking moment, saying, “It was a big day in my life — it was amazing. I spent the first day thinking, ‘I must go introduce myself to him,’ and I stood there for several minutes before I [decided], ‘Not today.’ The next day I decided to be a brave boy.”

As Washington prepares to conclude his acting career with these final projects, he leaves an indelible mark on the film industry, with roles that have spanned historic dramas, modern thrillers, and influential blockbusters.

His planned portrayals in Othello, King Lear, Hannibal, and his collaborations with renowned directors highlight a commitment to impactful storytelling as he nears the end of a distinguished career.