It turns out that Hollywood star and award-winner Denzel Washington has spoken about retiring from the world of cinema after Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II," saying there are few films remaining that he wants to make.
The Academy Award victor said he was "tremendously inspired" by Scott's upcoming sequel "Gladiator II", all set to release on November 22 in theaters, while giving an indication that he is nearing the end of his acting career, reports deadline.com.
"There are very few films left for me to make that I'm interested in, and it has to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley," he told Empire following his last work with the filmmaker in 2007's "American Gangster."
"We had a great go-round the first go-round and here we are. He's engaged. He's excited about life and his next film. He's an inspiration," added Washington.
"We should all want to feel like that at 86."
Scott said the long-awaited sequel to his Oscar-winning 2000 movie is "the best thing I've ever made," then quickly clarifying, "One of the best things. I've made a few good 'uns… it's full-bore, brutal action."
In "Gladiator II," actor Paul Mescal will star as Lucius, who enters the Coliseum many years after the events of the original "Gladiator," during which Maximus died at the sword of his uncle Emperor Commodus, played by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, respectively.
Washington even directed and produced films such as 2002's "Antwone Fisher," 2007's "The Great Debaters," 2016's "Fences," and 2021's "A Journal for Jordan" after finally hitting the big screen over 40 years ago.
Washington earlier shared his plan to retire from acting as he made an appearance at the American Black Film Festival held in Miami Beach, Florida last June.
"The things that are going on for me professionally behind the camera are as important to me now as in front of the camera," said Washington.
"I think there's less and less time I'll be spending in front of the camera."
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