Denzel Washington accidentally turned into Marvel’s unofficial PR guy—and let’s just say Kevin Feige probably needed a lie-down.
While out and about promoting Gladiator II (yes, apparently that’s a thing now), Denzel sat down with Australia’s Today show for a casual chat about his illustrious career, upcoming projects, and, oh, you know, Marvel secrets. The man casually name-dropped Shakespeare and superheroes like it was no big deal.
“I’m only interested in working with the best,” Denzel declared, like a man who knows he can slam-dunk any script thrown his way. Then he dropped a bombshell bigger than Thanos snapping his fingers:
“After my run in Othello, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking to Steve McQueen about a film. And after that, Ryan Coogler is writing me a part in the next Black Panther.”
Record scratch. Hold up, Denzel. The next Black Panther? Marvel hasn’t even confirmed it exists yet! Somewhere in a secret Marvel bunker, alarms started blaring, and executives were probably scrambling to put Denzel’s face on a dartboard.
Fast forward to the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, where Denzel finally realized he’d spilled more tea than a clumsy barista. Referring to Ryan Coogler as “a genius,” Denzel explained that he had to call the director to apologize for playing spoiler roulette.
“I called him and apologized for talking about the movie,” Denzel confessed, probably while Marvel’s lawyers were giving him the side-eye. “And right there, sitting with him, was his beautiful wife.” Talk about awkward timing!
Still, Denzel couldn’t stop gushing about Coogler. “He’s still Ryan, humble and full of ideas. Whatever he writes, I’ll read,” Washington said, which is the Hollywood equivalent of saying, “Bro, please don’t uninvite me to Wakanda.”
But wait, there’s more! In the same interview, Denzel dropped some wholesome updates about his health journey. Apparently, he’s been on a two-year mission to get fit and fabulous, kicking alcohol to the curb in the process.
“At the Academy Awards, I looked at myself and thought, ‘I’ve got to change,’” he told Variety. And because he’s Denzel, he didn’t just join a gym; he enlisted Doug Romero, a fancy-sounding trainer, to whip him into shape.
“It’s been my birthday gift to myself—getting to a place where I feel okay looking in the mirror,” he said, proving that even someone with two Oscars occasionally battles with their reflection.
So, what have we learned here? Denzel Washington is still a king among men, capable of inspiring us all—even when he accidentally spoils Marvel secrets. Let’s just hope Feige doesn’t send the Avengers after him.
