Why Denzel Washington Was ‘Proud’ and ‘Relieved’ After Watching Black Panther

Even seasoned actors aren’t immune to the emotional power of a good superhero movie. For Denzel Washington, that movie was Black Panther. The two-time Oscar winner recently revealed that Ryan Coogler’s 2018 blockbuster left him deeply moved, not just for its storytelling, but for what it represented to him personally and to millions of fans worldwide.

“I cried a little bit when I saw Black Panther,” Washington admitted in a conversation with People. The actor was performing on Broadway at the time, starring in The Iceman Cometh. Despite the usual pomp of a movie premiere, Washington skipped the red carpet. “I wasn’t interested in the red carpet and all that,” he said. Instead, he went backstage to visit Coogler and the film’s late star, Chadwick Boseman, before sitting down to watch the movie.

What Washington witnessed on screen struck a chord. “I felt like the baton had been passed,” he explained. Watching Boseman’s T’Challa alongside a vibrant cast of characters, all brought to life by a predominantly Black creative team, left him both emotional and inspired. “I was like, ‘Wow, these young boys are gone,’ you know. I felt, I don’t know if the word is ‘relieved,’ but I was proud to see what they had done and seeing where they were headed.”

For an actor of Washington’s caliber—known for his own iconic performances in films like Malcolm X, Training Day, and Fences—this is no small praise. His reaction underscores the cultural impact of Black Panther, a film that shattered box office records and became a milestone for representation in Hollywood. Boseman’s portrayal of the regal and heroic T’Challa remains a high watermark in superhero cinema, a legacy that Washington clearly admires.

What’s Next for Washington

Beyond his praise for Black Panther, Washington is forging a connection to the franchise’s future. News recently broke that Coogler is crafting a role specifically for him in the upcoming third installment. Washington, who has long been selective about his roles, says he’s drawn to working with visionary filmmakers. “For me, it’s about the filmmakers. Especially at this point in my career, I am only interested in working with the best,” he told Australia’s Today show in late 2024. “I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. It’s probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.”

After wrapping his current Broadway run in Othello, Washington revealed a handful of projects that he intends to pursue before retiring from acting entirely. These include a Steve McQueen project, the next Black Panther film, a cinematic adaptation of Othello, and King Lear. “After that,” he said, “I’m going to retire.”

As one of the finest actors of his generation, Washington’s decision to bring his talents to the Marvel universe—and specifically to Black Panther—signals his belief in the creative potential of the franchise. And for those who were moved by the original film, it’s a reminder of the enduring legacy that Boseman and Coogler created, one that even a legend like Washington finds deeply inspiring.