Denzel Washington has revealed that he is going to retire after his next batch of films.
The Hollywood icon appeared via videolink on Tuesday’s episode of the Today Show, alongside his co-stars to promote his new film Gladiator II.
“I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. Probably not that many,” the actor, who turns 70 next month, told Today host Richard Wilkins.
“I want to do things I haven’t done. I’ve played Othello at 22, I’m about to play Othello at 70,” he said.
Denzel will play the role in the Shakespeare play on Broadway alongside Jake Gyllenhaal from February next year.
“After that I’m playing Hannibal. After that I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next Black Panther.”
He added, “After that I’m going to do the film Othello. After that I’m going to do King Lear. After that I’m going to retire.”
Based on the interview, the actor has six upcoming projects across stage and film, so fans will still get to enjoy a few more of his roles before he retires, following a career that has spanned almost 50 years.
Speaking to news.com.au, the actor offered some insight into why he is planning to retire, saying that there are “less and less challenges”, after previously revealing that at this point in his career, there are very few roles he is willing to take.
Image: Masatoshi Okauchi/ Shutterstock Editorial