Denzel Washington is trading Rome for Wakanda.
Denzel Washington, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor, is set to join Marvel’s Black Panther 3, adding another layer of anticipation for the beloved franchise’s next chapter. Washington, who recently completed filming Gladiator 2, hinted at his upcoming slate during an interview on Today Show Australia, where he also shared insights on his career’s final projects.
“I’m only interested in working with the best,” Washington, 69, explained. “I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make, probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.” Washington revealed an impressive lineup, including roles in adaptations of Othello, Hannibal, and King Lear, plus a collaboration with director Steve McQueen. Most notably, he confirmed a role in Black Panther 3, with writer-director Ryan Coogler already developing a part for him.
Washington’s involvement brings a personal touch to the Marvel universe. The Black Panther franchise, which began with the record-breaking 2018 film, owes some of its existence to his support of its original star, Chadwick Boseman. Boseman, who portrayed T’Challa, famously credited Washington for helping to shape his journey in acting. Washington had funded a summer program at Oxford for young Black actors, including Boseman, allowing the late actor to study abroad and further hone his craft. Later, Washington produced Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which became Boseman’s final role and earned him a posthumous Academy Award nomination.
“There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington,” Boseman had said during the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award ceremony in 2019, honoring Washington. Boseman spoke with gratitude about the sacrifices and milestones Washington achieved, paving the way for a generation of Black actors and filmmakers. “The daily battles, the many sacrifices you made for the culture on film sets, the things you refused to compromise…lay the blueprints for us to follow.”
The Black Panther series has been a cultural phenomenon since its debut, smashing box office records and making history as the first Marvel film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. The first film introduced audiences to Wakanda, a technologically advanced African nation led by T’Challa, who faces both internal and external challenges to his throne. The second film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, continued to explore the nation’s resilience following T’Challa’s death, bringing new characters into the Wakandan fold.
Black Panther 3 has not yet been officially confirmed by Marvel, though Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has previously mentioned ongoing conversations with Coogler about the franchise’s future. Washington’s addition, alongside the prospect of Coogler’s return, hints at an ambitious vision for Wakanda’s next chapter.
Washington’s role in Black Panther 3 remains undisclosed, but his presence will undoubtedly honor Boseman’s legacy, adding emotional depth to the ongoing story of Wakanda. With his remarkable career nearing its twilight, Washington’s commitment to portraying powerful and meaningful roles will be celebrated with each project he chooses — particularly this return to Black Hollywood’s epicenter.
As we await Marvel’s official announcement and further details about the storyline, fans can look forward to seeing Washington bring his profound talent to Wakanda.