Connect with us

Washington

Denzel Washington on Watching Son Malcolm Direct ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Which August Wilson Adaptation Is Next and Why ‘Gladiator’ Is a ‘Hard Act to Follow’

Published

on

Denzel Washington on Watching Son Malcolm Direct ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Which August Wilson Adaptation Is Next and Why ‘Gladiator’ Is a ‘Hard Act to Follow’


Denzel Washington is proud of his children. Why wouldn’t he be? His youngest son, Malcolm Washington, just premiered his directorial debut with an adaptation of August Wilson’s play, “The Piano Lesson,” which he co-wrote with Virgil Williams. In addition, the film stars his Denzel’s eldest son, John David Washington, with his sister Katia serving as executive producer and Malcolm’s twin sister Olivia, also having a role in the movie.

Washington has been designated the custodian of Wilson’s legacy by Constanza Romero, and with it, he has an overall deal with Netflix to produce all of Wilson’s 10-play Pittsburgh Cycle, also known as “The Century Cycle.” Set across several decades of the 20th century, it chronicles the experience and heritage of the African American community.

His longtime producing partner, Todd Black, has collaborated with him for years on various projects, including the first three Wilson adaptations: “Fences” (2016), “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020), and now “The Piano Lesson.”

“Fences” earned Black his first Oscar nom for best picture, alongside Washington, who became the first Black person in history to be nominated for producing and acting in the same year.

Advertisement

“The Piano Lesson,” which also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins and Michael Potts, is the most cinematic of three Wilson adaptations to date. Denzel Washington wants all of the Wilson films to feel unique. “Each one is different, will be different,” he says.

Todd Black

Black and Washington tell Variety exclusively that the next adaptation from the Wilson catalog will be “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.”

“We haven’t talked about anybody involved in that yet, though,” Washington says before chuckling, “Well…we haven’t talked to you guys about it.”

Does that mean they are close to casting the main roles? The film is set in the second decade of the 20th century and tells the story of a few freed former enslaved African Americans in the North, dealing with migration and discrimination.

Advertisement

“Joe Turner” opened on Broadway in 1988, directed by Lloyd Richards with a cast including Delroy Lindo and Angela Bassett. A Broadway revival, directed by Bartlett Sher, opened at the Belasco Theatre in 2009 with Chad L. Coleman and Danai Gurira.

Variety sat down with Black and Washington to discuss their longstanding partnership, their families growing up together, and what to expect from Washington’s upcoming role in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated “Gladiator 2.”

Ray Fisher, left, writer/director Malcolm Washington and John David Washington on the set of “The Piano Lesson”
Katia Washington/Netflix

How did the partnership with Todd Black and Denzel Washington begin?

Todd Black: It all started in the Valley back in July 1989. I was a baby producer, and I really wanted to meet Denzel. At that time, I had never seen an actor like him — someone who didn’t just act but lived the role. So, I kept bugging his agent, Ed Limato, to arrange a meeting. Finally, Ed gave me an hour with Denzel.

And how did that first meeting go?

Black: I was nervous but more excited than anything else. We sat down for lunch, and Denzel asked me, “Why am I here?” I told him, “Because I want to work with you.” He was kind, and he said something that’s always stuck with me: “When you read a script that makes your heart race and keeps you up all night, call me.” That advice stuck with me through all my movies.

Advertisement
Denzel, can you talk about your son Malcolm and his journey as a filmmaker?

Washington: I’m extremely proud of Malcolm. He went to AFI, one of the top film schools, and graduated number one in his class. I think he did anyway, and that’s what I’ve been telling everybody. From early on, I knew he had a vision. I’ve learned through my son the difference between making a film and being a filmmaker. I’ve directed four films. I had Todd to lean on, but I didn’t know what to do necessarily. Malcolm has studied filmmaking. He’s an academic. When he was younger, he would read my scripts and ask insightful questions. His mother is a huge film buff, so he — like all my kids — grew up watching movies. He always had a desire to make films, and now he’s doing it.

Todd, you’ve known Malcolm since he was young. What’s it like seeing him follow in his father’s footsteps?

Black: I’ve known Malcolm since he was in Pauletta’s stomach. I remember when Malcolm and his siblings came to my office when they were younger, maybe not even teenagers yet; Malcolm was the one asking all the questions about movies. He’s always had a love for film. Seeing him grow into the visionary filmmaker he is today is amazing. He’s worked hard, studied filmmaking at the highest level, and now he’s creating incredible work.

Cinephiles say you have a “signature” acting move, the single tear drop, like the one you showed in 1989’s “Glory.”

Washington: That’s not a “signature move.” Signature move sounds like a go-to. In fact, I teared because the whip was wet and it actually hurt. It was a real tear. That’s a true story. It was felt, and if you go back and look, they kept wetting everything down, and the felt was wet. And it was hitting me in the back, and it hurt.

Black: How many takes did you do?

Washington: I don’t even know, or how he cut it to be honest with you. He cut back and forth so many times, there’s no telling what takes it is. All I know It hurt — I wasn’t crying but it was a real tear.

Advertisement
How did you land on Danielle Deadwyler and Ray Fisher?

Washington: Bernice is such a complex character, and Danielle is just an extraordinary actress and person.

Black: With Ray, If you saw the stage play, he was great there. We had the advantage of seeing him on stage. We had trouble getting him because he had other commitments. We just thank God for his agents. They were really helpful. We just stayed on it, because every time we talked about other actors that we weren’t going to get, they didn’t come close. I remember this conversation with Denzel and Malcolm. We were like, “That’s a good actor, but they’re not Ray.” It comes with time when an actor meets a role, or a role meets an actor, whatever they call it, and that’s what that is for Ray.

You must feel immense pride seeing your children thrive in filmmaking and acting.

Washington: Of course, as a parent, the dream is to see your children doing what they love and succeeding at it. And they’re doing fantastic. My daughter is working in the West End in London, and my sons and daughter Katia are making waves in film. I’m proud of them, not just for their success but for the fact that they’re doing it as a close-knit family, supporting each other. So, this is the greatest gift. That they’re healthy, still humble. And working hard. And love each other, a tight unit. I’ll smack them upside the head if they’re not.

Denzel, I’ve got to ask you about your involvement in “Gladiator 2.” Fans were nervous when they first heard the announcement, but knowing you’re a part of it has brought hope. What can you tell us?

Washington: Huge! Ridiculously big! [Long pause with a smile]

And… Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal? Are they good?

Washington: Not good. Great. Both of them. It’s a hard act to follow, and Paul pulled it off. He’s his own gladiator. I didn’t have to do anything but this [sips water with pinky up]. That was my job. Just twirl the glass, twirl the goblet, and hold whatever I had in my other hand. And make sure I don’t step on my gown. A new trailer [for “Gladiator 2”] comes out on the 23rd. It’s epic.

Advertisement
Denzel, I observed the love your children have for Pauletta, your wife, and we can only hope that our kids can love us that much, even well into adulthood. Can you speak to that?

Washington: [Laughing] Listen, I know if there’s a choice between their mother and I… “Dad, thanks… see ya!” You can’t win that one, and you never will. And I get it.

Black: He’s just not as good a cook as she is.

Washington: But seriously… That’s the foundation for all of my children. The actors, the directors, the producers, and the other one in London. Their mother has laid a foundation for them. She’s reliable in every syllable and letter of that word. She’s consistent. She’s done everything that a woman or a man could do. She’s been amazing.

What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned from each other?

Black: I mean…Denzel is always generous with his knowledge, and his loyalty in this business is rare. We know what each other likes, and we have similar tastes when it comes to films. It’s more than just business — it’s fun. We laugh, we argue sometimes, but it’s always about making the best movie possible. Denzel has made me a better producer by pushing me to focus on detail and simplicity. We develop scripts together, reading them out loud and going through every line. That process has shaped how I work with other filmmakers too.

Washington: We are pros, and we are friends. And that’s saying a lot in this business. He is the best at what he does, and he’s my friend. Can’t ask for more.

Advertisement



Source link

Washington

Commanders-Eagles Stats & Snaps

Published

on

Commanders-Eagles Stats & Snaps


“Washington-Philadelphia Monday Stats Pack” is presented by BDO by the Numbers. People who know, know BDO.

A list of stats and notes from the Washington Commanders’ 36-33 win against Philadelphia, presented by BDO by the Numbers, as compiled by Washington Commanders Public Relations.



Source link

Continue Reading

Washington

Denzel Washington Receives Minister’s License, Gets Baptized

Published

on

Denzel Washington Receives Minister’s License, Gets Baptized


Denzel Washington can now add ministry to his long resume.

On Saturday, the Gladiator II star was baptized, receiving a certificate of baptism, as well as a minister’s license, meaning that he can later get ordained. The event took place at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ located in New York City’s Harlem, per Today. First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Eastern New York livestreamed the service on Facebook.

“In one week I turn 70. It took a while, but I’m here,” the prolific actor said. Washington also thanked his wife, Pauletta Washington.

The two-time Academy Award winner has been open about his faith before, telling Esquire last month that while talk of religion in Hollywood is rare, he is unflinching in his resolve to share his beliefs and experience.

Advertisement

“I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it—you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town,” he wrote in an essay relayed by the magazine.

He continued at the time, “It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe. There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard. It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe. So I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”

Upcoming on Washington’s docket is Spike Lee’s Apple Original Films/A24 project Highest 2 Lowest, alongside A$AP Rocky & Ice Spice, as well as Black Panther 3, his involvement in which he accidentally let slip.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Washington

Commanders Trail Eagles 21-14 at Halftime of Week 16

Published

on

Commanders Trail Eagles 21-14 at Halftime of Week 16


LANDOVER, Md. — The Washington Commanders are hosting the Philadelphia Eagles looking to exact a little revenge for their Week 11 loss to the NFC East Division rival.

Facing the Eagles on their home turf this time around, they are determined not just to win the game but also to show improvement following a string of fourth-quarter collapses.

Starting the game on the field, the Commanders’ offense looked to get the tone set early and did, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the tone they wanted.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Dec 22, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball during warmup prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

After consecutive incomplete passes from quarterback Jayden Daniels, he was able to find running back Brian Robinson Jr. for a nine-yard gain. On the fourth-and-one attempt, Robinson was stonewalled, turning the ball over to Philadelphia in Washington territory to start its own first drive of the game.

Advertisement

Eight plays later, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley punched the ball in from two yards out to open up the scoring and led to a 7-0 deficit for the Commanders less than four minutes into the contest.

The second Washington possession started with a bang after receiver Luke McCaffrey returned the kickoff 47 yards into Philadelphia territory, but it was short-lived because Robinson fumbled the first down run play, turning the ball right back over.

Eight plays later, the Eagles scored again, this time on a pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett to receiver A.J. Brown. During the second Philadelphia scoring drive, Jalen Hurts was taken out of the game to be evaluated for a concussion and eventually taken into the locker room for further testing.

The third possession for Washington didn’t go much better, resulting in a three-and-out and a punt. Needing to manufacture some momentum the Commanders’ defense decided to take matters into their own hands leading to an interception by linebacker Frankie Luvu that shifted momentum and put the offense back on the field at the Eagles’ 25-yard line.

Four plays later Washington got on the board for the first time on a six-yard pass from Daniels to receiver Jamison Crowder making the lead 14-7 in favor of Philadelphia – all still in the first quarter.

Advertisement

The momentum was short-lived, however. Onn the Eagles’ second play of the subsequent drive, Barkley took off downfield for a 68-yard touchdown ru, pushingd the lead back out to 14 at 21-,- still in the first quarter.

That would be the final score at the end of the first quarter, but it wasn’t the final dose of heartbreak for Washington.

Starting the second quarter with the ball, the Commanders got all the way down to the Philadelphia 10-yard line before Robinson fumbled for the second time in the game, again losing possession of the ball.

Fortunately, that turnover didn’t turn into points. Even more fortunately, Daniels connected with star receiver Terry McLaurin on a 32-yard fade route into the end zone on the very next possession, trimming the lead to 21-14 with just under seven minutes left in the half.

With just under two minutes left in the half and two timeouts in his back pocket, Daniels had his offense on the field looking to tie the game, but on the first play of the drive, the quarterback sailed his pass attempt to receiver Luke McCaffrey and was intercepted by Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

Advertisement

The interception gave Philadelphia the ball back with time and two timeouts left to try and get more points before halftime, knowing it would also get the ball back to start the second half.

Fortunately, the Commanders’ defense kept that turnover from hurting them further, and we entered the halftime break with the Eagles leading 21-14.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

• Commanders Gearing Up to Take Down ‘Hottest Team’ in the NFL in Week 16

• Commanders’ Josh Harris Makes Statement on Stadium Future

Advertisement

• Commanders Coach Reveals How Jayden Daniels Has Grown

• Commanders on Pace for Historic Season of Fourth Quarter Scoring



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending