Denzel Washington apologizes for spilling ‘Black Panther 3’ news
3 min read
Denzel Washington attends a SiriusXM Town Hall with the cast of "Gladiator II" with host Mike Muse at SiriusXM Studios on November 21, 2024 in New York City. Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for SiriusXM.
Denzel Washington recently found himself in the spotlight for comments he made during an interview that may have been a bit premature. While promoting his upcoming role in Gladiator II, the Oscar-winning actor sat down with Australia’s Today show to discuss his career and upcoming projects. During the conversation, Washington made an offhand remark about his future plans, revealing he would be taking on several exciting roles after completing his Broadway run in Shakespeare’s Othello, where he will play the titular character.
Washington mentioned that after finishing the Broadway production, he was set to portray the historical figure Hannibal, followed by a collaboration with filmmaker Steve McQueen on an upcoming film. But the most surprising revelation came when he casually mentioned that Ryan Coogler, the director of Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, was writing a role for him in the next installment of the Black Panther franchise. The issue, however, was that Marvel had not yet confirmed the development of a third Black Panther film.
This statement quickly raised eyebrows, as no official announcement had been made regarding Black Panther 3 at the time. Washington’s comments created a stir, as it seemed he may have inadvertently revealed sensitive information before Marvel or the studio made any public disclosure.
Washington later addressed the situation in a more thoughtful manner during an appearance on Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast. He expressed regret for sharing details prematurely and clarified that he had already apologized to Coogler for his remarks. “I called him and apologized for talking about the movie,” Washington explained. “And right there sitting with him was his beautiful wife.” He added that despite the slip-up, Coogler remained his usual humble and creative self, always brimming with ideas. Washington, known for his professionalism, assured fans that he would always be open to reading whatever Coogler wrote for him in the future, demonstrating the respect he holds for the talented filmmaker.
In the same interview, Washington also spoke candidly about his personal health journey, a topic he had touched on earlier when revealing he had quit drinking. The actor explained that he had been working on improving his health for the past two years and shared that the decision to make such changes came after reflecting on his physical appearance at the Academy Awards. “I looked at myself and thought, ‘I’ve got to change,’” Washington admitted. He discussed working closely with his trainer, Doug Romero, to focus on getting healthier, both physically and mentally. For Washington, this health transformation was a personal gift to himself, as he felt it was essential to feel comfortable looking in the mirror again.
Washington’s commitment to his physical and mental well-being was evident as he detailed the effort and dedication he has put into this health journey. It wasn’t just about losing weight or getting fit but about improving his overall lifestyle, including making decisions that would enhance his quality of life for the future. The actor’s willingness to share his struggles and triumphs in this area provided insight into his personal life and made his fans admire him even more, not just for his professional accomplishments, but also for his commitment to self-improvement.
While Washington may have let slip some exciting news regarding Black Panther 3, his sincerity and professionalism were clear when he took responsibility for the premature comment. His respect for Ryan Coogler and his dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle showed a side of the actor that many may not have been aware of. As he continues his successful career, Washington remains a role model not only for his acting talent but also for his focus on well-being and his humble approach to his personal and professional life.
With several major projects on the horizon, including Gladiator II, Othello on Broadway, and potentially a role in the Black Panther franchise, Denzel Washington is proving that his career is far from slowing down. Despite his slip-up about Marvel’s future plans, his professionalism and commitment to his craft remain unwavering, and fans can look forward to even more incredible work from him in the years to come.
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