Denzel Washington stirred excitement in November when he announced his intention to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe prior to his retirement. While promoting Gladiator II on Australia’s Today show, the two-time Oscar winner caught everyone off guard with the revelation: “Ryan Coogler, who directed Black Panther, is penning a role for me in the next Black Panther movie.” This news was a surprise for comic book enthusiasts, especially since Marvel has yet to officially unveil Black Panther 3 or confirm if Coogler will return to direct.
Interestingly, Washington’s remarks seemed to take Coogler by surprise as well. In a recent guest spot on the Variety Awards Circuit podcast, Washington shared that he had reached out to Coogler to apologize for letting the news slip about his participation in Black Panther 3. “I called him the other day. I can’t remember why — no, I called him to say I was sorry,” Washington recounted. “I said, ‘I’m sorry, man.’ And he replied, ‘No, man, it’s all good.’”
The actor acknowledged that he doesn’t have a clear understanding of what Coogler is preparing for his character in Black Panther 3, but he is excited about his inclusion in the film. “I’m not sure what he has planned for me,” Washington admitted. “I love Ryan, but he’s the kind of guy who won’t spill too much. He tends to say, ‘You know what I’m saying?’ But I’m like, ‘No, I don’t know what you’re saying, Ryan. Just say it!’”
Fans will need to hang tight for more details on Coogler and Washington’s collaboration on Black Panther 3. Coogler is currently busy finishing his latest project, Sinners, an original horror film starring Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld, which is set to release in March. It remains to be seen if he will jump straight into Black Panther 3 after that. Meanwhile, Washington is preparing for his role in Highest 2 Lowest, a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, which marks a reunion with director Spike Lee.
