On November 22nd, Denzel Washington is set to make a significant impact both in theaters and on streaming with the release of Gladiator II and The Piano Lesson. These two highly anticipated projects are set to showcase his diverse talents both in front of and behind the camera.
While Washington takes a leading role in the sequel to the 2000 Roman epic Gladiator, he plays a different but equally pivotal role in the making of The Piano Lesson. Instead of acting, Washington is deeply involved as a producer in this adaptation of the iconic play by August Wilson. This film continues Washington’s long-standing commitment to bringing Wilson’s celebrated works to the screen, following previous successes like Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
The Piano Lesson, which will be released in select U.S. theaters on November 8, 2024, before streaming on Netflix on November 22, marks a family affair for the Washingtons. Denzel’s youngest son, Malcolm Washington, makes his directorial debut and also co-wrote the screenplay. His eldest son, John David Washington, takes on a starring role, while his daughter Katia serves as a producer. The Washington involvement doesn’t stop there—Denzel’s youngest daughter, Olivia, has a role in the film, and his wife, Pauletta, is also featured, according to IMDb.
Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, The Piano Lesson revolves around the Charles family and their prized heirloom: a piano intricately carved by an enslaved ancestor. The piano symbolizes the family’s history and the legacy of slavery. The film builds on the original play by exploring the supernatural elements and historical trauma embedded in the Charles family’s story. Much of the cast from the recent Broadway revival returns for the film, including Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Deadwyler, with additional performances by Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Corey Hawkins, and Grammy-winning singer Erykah Badu.
As The Piano Lesson hits streaming platforms, Washington’s Gladiator II will be making waves in theaters. The sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 blockbuster has already garnered significant buzz, especially as it goes head-to-head with another anticipated release, Wicked, which was recently moved up to the same November 22nd release date.
Outside of Washington’s prominent role, Gladiator II’s cast also includes Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger. Written by David Scarpa, the film is set several years after the events of the original Gladiator and follows Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Nielsen) and nephew of Commodus (portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix in the original film). Lucius (Mescal), finds himself at the heart of a dramatic narrative where his peaceful life in Numidia is upended by an invasion led by General Marcus Acacius, portrayed by Pascal. Inspired by the legendary Maximus, Lucius is forced into slavery and ultimately becomes a gladiator, challenging the rule of Emperors Caracalla and Geta.
With Gladiator II and The Piano Lesson, Denzel Washington continues to solidify his legacy as a force both in Hollywood and on the stage, proving his versatility and deep commitment to storytelling across multiple mediums.