Denzel Washington has found himself in the spotlight not only for his role in Gladiator II but also for letting slip details about a potential future project during his press tour.
The legendary actor recently revealed that he had to apologize to Black Panther director Ryan Coogler for prematurely discussing his involvement in a yet-to-be-announced Black Panther 3.
During an interview with Australia’s Today Show last month, Washington shared his excitement about upcoming roles, mentioning a slate that included working with Steve McQueen and playing Hannibal. However, his comment about Coogler writing a part for him in the next Black Panther was a shock for fans, as Marvel Studios has not officially announced a third installment in the franchise.
Speaking on Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Washington referred to Coogler as “a genius” and admitted that he may have spoken out of turn. “I called him and apologized for talking about the movie,” Washington said.
Washington’s slip up about Black Panther created excitement among fans but also underscored the level of secrecy Marvel Studios typically maintains around its projects. Coogler, known for his meticulous storytelling and creative vision, has yet to comment publicly on Washington’s remarks or confirm the development of a third Black Panther film.
In that same Today Show interview, Washington also hinted at retiring. Fans flooded social media with concerns, fearing he might be stepping away from the screen for good. However, in a follow-up interview with BuzzFeed’s Ada Enechi, Washington clarified his intentions.
While he plans to scale back on acting roles, he emphasized that he is not leaving the film industry entirely. “I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make — probably not that many,” Washington admitted, explaining that his focus is shifting towards collaborations with filmmakers he deeply admires.
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