Ryan Coogler’s original vampire horror film hit theaters just over a month ago, and it has been an exhilarating ride since. Sinners has found tremendous success at the box office — as it’s earned over $250 million domestically and nearly $350 million globally — and is well-received by both critics and audiences. Coogler is no stranger to his movies excelling on the global stage as the performances of the Chadwick Boseman-led Black Panther and the second movie, Wakanda Forever, have proven. Coogler and the MCU are intent on returning to the world of Wakanda with the upcoming Black Panther 3, and it would seem that rumors of a heavyweight casting are true after all. Speaking to NBA legend Carmelo Anthony on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Coogler revealed that acting great, Denzel Washington, will in fact be part of Black Panther 3, should that sequel ever happen. The Equalizer actor had previously let it slip in November 2024 that Coogler wrote a role for him. In his chat with Anthony, Coogler says he has been trying to work with Washington “since day one.” On the Black Panther 3 news, the director revealed, “There’s no fiction out there. Denzel is family at this point…I’ve been trying to work with him since day one. I think he’s the greatest living actor, and in terms of what he means to our culture, forget about it. I’ve been talking to him about this to him for a long time.” The MCU typically like to keep these types of huge announcements secret, but given that Marvel hasn’t officially announced the sequel, they’d like not bother too much. Coogler goes on to add:
“I was surprised that when he mentioned it [‘Black Panther 3’], but it’s not like it’s not true.”
Washington spoke about his potential role in 2024, saying that Coogler was “writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’” Promoting his movie, Gladiator 2 at the time, the actor hinted at the role being one of his last. “After that, I’m going to do the film ‘Othello.’ After that, I’m going to do King Lear. After that, I’m going to retire,” Washington said at the time. “For me, it’s about the filmmakers. Especially at this point in my career, I am only interested in working with the best. 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.”
Denzel Washington Continues to Deliver in New Roles

While Washington might be looking to step away from acting at some point, his next performance is all lined up. Washington is next starring in Highest 2 Lowest, with Spike Lee. Lee directs Highest 2 Lowest from a script he wrote with Alan Fox. The film was produced by Todd Black and Jason Michael Berman. Lee serves as executive producer Peter Guber, Matthew Lindner, Chris Brigham, and Katia Washington. Lee is also Coogler’s mentor, and the younger director discussed Highest 2 Lowest during the podcast, saying:
“I’m so hyped for this. That trailer — the monologue Denzel doing…he’s in rare form. I just can’t put no words to how excited I am, man, because when [Lee] and Denzel get together, it’s always a masterpiece.”
Sinners is available on Prime Video and Fandango at Home. Highest 2 Lowest will be released theatrically on Aug. 22, 2025, with an Apple TV+ streaming release planned for September 5, 2025.

Source: 7PM in Brooklyn/YouTube