Denzel Washington Hints at Retirement After Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator II’

Denzel Washington, despite considering retirement from on-screen roles, was drawn back to the big screen by an old friend.

The Academy Award winner shared that he was “tremendously inspired” by director Ridley Scott’s upcoming sequel, Gladiator II, set to premiere on November 22 in theaters. Washington hinted that he is nearing the end of his acting career.

“There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” Washington told Empire. The actor last collaborated with Scott on the 2007 film American Gangster.

“We had a great time the first go-round, and here we are again. He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration,” Washington added. “We should all want to feel like that at 86.”

Scott described the much-anticipated sequel to his Oscar-winning 2000 movie as “the best thing I’ve ever made,” later clarifying, “One of the best things. I’ve made a few good ones… it’s full-bore, brutal action.”

In Gladiator II, Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, who steps into the Coliseum years after witnessing the death of Maximus (played in the original by Russell Crowe) at the hands of his uncle, Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).

Since making his onscreen debut over 40 years ago, Washington has also established himself as a director and producer. His notable projects include Antwone Fisher (2002), The Great Debaters (2007), Fences (2016), and A Journal for Jordan (2021).

Washington previously hinted at retiring from acting during his appearance at the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach, Florida, in June.

“The projects I’m working on behind the camera are now just as important to me as those in front of it,” Washington remarked. “I think there’s less and less time I’ll be spending in front of the camera.”