Denzel Washington is contemplating retirement, but he might not leave without a visit to Wakanda.

The Oscar-winning star of “Gladiator II,” who is 69 years old, shared in an interview with Australia’s “Today” that he is considering stepping back from acting and mentioned a potential role in the “Black Panther” series.

Washington mentioned that he doesn’t plan to make many more films, stating, “After I finish up some upcoming projects, I’m going to retire.” He added a surprising note: “Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.'”

YSL News has reached out to representatives from Disney and Washington to get their thoughts on this announcement.

However, Washington’s rumored participation in a third “Black Panther” movie hasn’t been confirmed, nor has the film itself been officially announced. Similarly, it’s unclear whether Coogler will direct another “Black Panther” installment, as he is currently working on a separate project, the horror film “Sinners” featuring Michael B. Jordan, which will be released in March.

Washington is generating buzz for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Macrinus in “Gladiator II,” the sequel to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film. He mentioned that he plans to portray characters such as Othello, Hannibal, and King Lear, and will also collaborate with “12 Years a Slave” director Steve McQueen on a new project. Additionally, he is anticipated to team up again with Spike Lee for an upcoming film with A24.

If Washington’s role in “Black Panther” materializes, it would mark his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The “Training Day” actor has expressed his appreciation for “Black Panther,” revealing in a 2018 interview that he was emotional while watching the original film.

After Chadwick Boseman’s passing, the “Black Panther” saga continued with the 2022 release of “Wakanda Forever,” which addressed the loss of Boseman’s T’Challa, transferring the superhero legacy to his sister Shuri (Letitia Wright).

In June, Letitia Wright hinted at the status of “Black Panther 3” on “The View,” remaining vague about her involvement in future “Avengers” movies, but did suggest, “There’s a lot to look forward to.”

Washington has previously addressed his potential retirement, mentioning to Empire magazine in August, “There are very few films left that intrigue me, and I need to feel inspired by the director, and Ridley (Scott) truly inspired me.”

Chadwick Boseman once stated ‘there is no ‘Black Panther’ without Washington’

While Washington hasn’t appeared in the “Black Panther” films before, he had a significant connection to its original lead, Chadwick Boseman. Washington produced “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which was Boseman’s last film before he passed away.

During a tribute event held by the American Film Institute in 2019, Boseman shared that Washington had generously and discreetly covered the tuition for him and eight other students to attend an acting course at the British American Drama Academy.

“Imagine getting a letter saying your tuition for that summer was covered, and finding out that the person who did it was the coolest actor around,” Boseman recalled, affirming, “There is no ‘Black Panther’ without Denzel Washington.”