The Role Denzel Washington Can’t Get – And Why He’s Too Loved to Play It

Denzel Washington is a name synonymous with excellence in Hollywood. Over his illustrious career, the actor has become a symbol of strength, resilience, and integrity both on and off the screen. He is not only known for his powerful performances in films but also for his philanthropic efforts, including his commitment to the Boys & Girls Club of America and his establishment of a drama scholarship at his alma mater. However, despite his extensive range, one role Washington finds himself surprisingly underrepresented in is that of the villain.

In an interview during the Training Day press tour, Washington acknowledged the rarity of playing such a role. “I’ve done 30 pictures, and this is the first time I’ve played a truly evil character,” he shared. “It’s not for want of trying. It’s just that no one has ever asked me to play a bad guy before. That’s not how Hollywood perceives me.”

While Washington has graced the screen in a range of iconic, morally upstanding characters—from the indomitable Robert McCall in The Equalizer franchise to the inspiring Herman Boone in Remember the Titans—his portrayal of Alonzo Harris in Training Day stands out as a significant departure from his usual heroic roles. Harris is a corrupt cop, deeply enmeshed in Los Angeles’ drug culture, and one of the darkest characters Washington has ever played.

The Heroic Archetype

Washington’s career has largely been defined by roles that showcase his natural charisma and authority in roles of justice, leadership, and honor. His early breakthrough came in 1987 when he portrayed anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko in Cry Freedom, which was followed by his unforgettable turn as a Civil War soldier in Glory (1989), a role that earned him his first Oscar. Over the years, he continued to embody characters that reflected the goodness and moral conviction he exudes in real life. Roles such as Lincoln Rhyme in The Bone Collector and Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing further cemented his place as Hollywood’s go-to hero.

Washington has been honored with various accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and continues to be a favorite in both the public and critical spheres. But as he admits, there is a different kind of thrill in playing a villain. “It’s a huge honor and privilege to play real-life heroes, but there is a different kind of excitement and reward for an actor in playing a villain,” he confessed. “I have to admit I had a lot of fun playing Harris in Training Day… He’s a sick, sick man who has no heart.”

The Villainous Temptation

Despite his immense success in heroic roles, Washington was not always averse to exploring darker characters. His portrayal of Alonzo Harris in Training Day was not only a career highlight but also a chance to break free from the hero archetype. “On the day we meet Harris, he sees two options in his life. One is death, and the other is what he sets out to accomplish. This gave me the licence to be as evil as possible,” Washington explained. His ability to sink into the darkness of the character is part of what makes his performance in Training Day so compelling. But even though he has expressed a desire to explore more villainous roles, Washington’s public persona, built largely on portraying inspiring figures, has made it challenging for Hollywood to cast him against type.

Hollywood’s Perception: A Double-Edged Sword

Washington’s career trajectory raises a larger question about the types of roles Hollywood is willing to offer actors, particularly those in the limelight for representing specific cultural or social identities. It’s possible that Hollywood’s hesitance to cast Washington as a villain was partly influenced by the broader industry’s view of him as a role model for African-American audiences. As a high-profile actor who became a cultural symbol of dignity, it may have seemed counterintuitive or even risky to cast him in roles that subvert that image.

Furthermore, Washington’s immense popularity within the Black community and his role as a positive influence may have made studios hesitant to risk alienating his core audience by portraying him as a villain. Such decisions may have been informed not only by artistic choices but also by financial considerations, as turning Washington into a “bad guy” could have potentially affected ticket sales within certain demographics.

The Shift: Still a Hero, with Few Exceptions

Despite this, Washington’s career shows that even the most beloved actors can sometimes be cast outside their usual persona. Most recently, he portrayed the character of Macrinus in Gladiator II, marking a rare villainous role since Training Day. However, the overarching pattern of his career suggests that Hollywood continues to see him as a symbol of strength, leadership, and moral clarity. For Washington, this remains a blessing—his hero status may be an inextricable part of his legacy, even if it means fewer opportunities to embrace villainous roles.

In the end, Washington is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s most versatile and beloved actors. His commitment to portraying characters who embody justice, wisdom, and integrity has made him an icon in the industry. While he may occasionally yearn for more opportunities to explore the dark side, it’s clear that, for many, he’ll always be the hero—on-screen and off.