Denzel Washington Says After ‘Gladiator II,’ There Are ‘Not Many Movies Left That Interest Me’

Denzel Washington seeks inspiration for the following chapter of his profession.

The Oscar winner revealed this in a recent interview with Empire Magazine that there are “very few” movies that interest him after greater than 40 years within the industry. Washington added that it was director Ridley Scott, with whom he worked on 2007’s “American Gangster,” who “inspired” him to star in “Gladiator II.”

“I have very few movies left that I’m interested in making, so I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was most inspired by Ridley,” Washington said in an interview.

“We had a great first round (on ‘American Gangster,’) and here we are,” the “Fences” actor added. “He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next movie. He’s an inspiration. We should all want to feel that way at 86.”

Washington plays Macrinus, a strong broker who maintains a stable of gladiators, within the “Gladiator” sequel, which hits theaters November 22. According to Washington, Macrinus “wants to be emperor and is willing to do anything to get it.”

“Gladiator II,” which also stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen, “continues the epic saga of power, intrigue and revenge set in ancient Rome,” in keeping with the official synopsis, which was provided in a press release.

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While there could also be “very few” movies that encourage Washington, he hasn’t spoken publicly about retirement. He is ready to seem in several upcoming projects along with the “Gladiator” sequel, including the crime thriller “High and Low” and an untitled project from longtime friend and collaborator Antoine Fuqua, who directed him in “Training Day” and “The Equalizer,” per People.

Washington will return to Broadway for a sixth time in spring 2025, joining Jake Gyllenhaal in a production of William Shakespeare’s “Othello,” the newspaper reports.