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Denzel Washington Joins The Cast of ‘Black Panther 3’

Denzel Washington Joins The Cast of ‘Black Panther 3’

It has been confirmed, by the man himself, that Denzel Washington will have a role in Black Panther 3.

Denzel Washington Joins The Cast of ‘Black Panther 3’
Gladiator II and Black Panther / Images Courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios respective

In an interview on Australia’s The Today Show, Denzel Washington spoke about his retirement and claimed he “doesn’t have many [movies] left in him” but among the roles he has planned is an unconfirmed role in a Steve McQueen movie and his first appearance in a comic book movie in Black Panther 3. Denzel stated that director Ryan Coogler is “writing a role for him” in the threequel and whilst it is unclear how big of a role this will be, you don’t give Denzel Washington just a few words and if he is being written into the script this early in production, it’s likely that he will be a major player in the movie.

Denzel is currently starring in Gladiator II, which opens in theatres on November 15th. Years after witnessing the death of Maximus (Russell Crowe) at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people. Critics are raving about Washington’s performance and he is predicted by many to be nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, with some even speculating that he could pick up the win for his role as Macrinus. With a resume ranging from Man on Fire to The Equalizer franchise to Gladiator II, Denzel Washington is a man you bring in to elevate your franchise and he has rarely disappointed.

Denzel Washington Joins The Cast of ‘Black Panther 3’
Gladiator II / Image Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

The last Black Panther movie had to rework its story after the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, and the film ended up becoming more structured around Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and Shuri (Letitia Wright), focusing on the hierarchy of Wakanda and its people – it was much more personal and intimate than a grand scale action movie: Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Dania Gurira) and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with Nakia (Lupita N’yongo) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) to forge a new path for their beloved kingdom. The movie was a big success all around, grossing over $859 million at the worldwide box office and standing at a 94% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Denzel Washington Joins The Cast of ‘Black Panther 3’
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever / Image Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Gladiator II  is directed by Ridley Scott and stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen and Joseph Quinn. 

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira.

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Lewis is based in the UK and writes about films and awards at Feature First.