Denzel Washington said he plans to retire from acting after these 6 projects

TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 05: Denzel Washington attends the "Gladiator II" TIFF Asia Premiere at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya on November 5, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

After a decades-long acting career that has given him two Academy Awards, Denzel Washington said this week that he will soon retire from the profession.

Appearing on Australia's TODAY to discuss his upcoming role in Gladiator II, Washington shared the projects he plans on completing before he steps away from acting.

The news comes as somewhat of a surprise, as Washington remains one of the bona fide movie stars in an industry hurting for them. However, the Oscar winner will turn 70 next month and understandably may want to enjoy retirement after working for so many years as one of Hollywood's most beloved actors.

Washington recently reunited with fellow Oscar winner Spike Lee on a remake of Akira Kurosawa's High and Lowand will soon star on Broadway opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in a new rendering of Othello.

Washington said he has six more projects he wants to complete, including next winter's Othello, before stepping away from the silver screen. Here's what we know about them.

Othello on Broadway

Washington will appear in the William Shakespeare classic opposite Gyllenhaal starting Feb. 24, 2025, at New York City's Barrymore Theatre.

A film about Hannibal from Antoine Fuqua

Washington will reunite with his longtime collaborator Fuqua on a film about the Carthaginian general Hannibal for Netflix. Gladiator scribe John Logan is writing the film.

A film with Steve McQueen

Washington said he is discussing a project with McQueen, the Oscar winner behind films like Widows, Small Axe, 12 Years a Slave and this fall's Blitz.

Black Panther 3

Washington said filmmaker Ryan Coogler (above) is writing a role for him in the third Black Panther film.

An Othello film

Washington said he will also take his Othello performance to the big screen for a new project.

King Lear

Washington said he plans to act in Shakespeare's King Learbefore he retires, though he did not specify if it was for film or stage.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Denzel Washington said he plans to retire from acting after these 6 projects