Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning explain how they've managed to keep in touch for 20 years

Dakota Fanning and Denzel Washington have spoken out on how they've kept their friendship going for two decades.

Fanning and Washington have a friendship that has stemmed back 20 years, with the pair first on-screen together in 2004's Man on Fire, the Tony Scott-directed film.

The nearly 20-year-old movie was actually Fanning's true breakout into the industry, while Washington was close to a seasoned veteran even at that point.

Washington, in his late 40s back then, played the character of Creasy, while a nine-year-old Fanning played Pita Ramos.

Since then, the acting duo have remained in contact, with Washington seeing Fanning's extraordinary rise to fame.

They both hit the screens together later this year for the first time in nearly 20 years with The Equalizer 3, which is set for release on 1 September.

Ahead of the release of the new movie, the acting pair have been speaking to the press about their upcoming project and their sweet reunion.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Speaking of Fanning, Washington told Entertainment Tonight: "She knows how to hit the ball back over the net. Sky's the limit for her."

Of course, when the pair last appeared in a project together Fanning was just a youngster. So for Washington, it was a little surreal to now be working alongside a grown woman.

It was weird, you know, 'cause I'm like, 'Oh she's a grown woman,'" he added.

"She was like a grown woman then, but now she's a grown woman. And, you know, obviously a great talent... It wasn't really strange, 'cause she was bringing it."

Fanning also chimed into the interview, saying the pair have stayed in touch all these years as she is friends with one of his daughters from their time together at New York University.

She told ET: "I've obviously, you know, known Denzel for a big part of my life, and one of his daughters is one of my closest friends, so I'm always in the loop."

Ivan Romano/Getty Images

As for the reunion all these years later, Fanning summed up: "It's been almost 20 years and I was quite young [in Man on Fire], but that's not an experience that one forgets.

"The second time, I felt the same, like, my body felt the same feeling that I remember feeling all those years ago -excitement and a little bit of nerves and wanting to be as prepared as possible. He definitely is an actor that keeps you on your toes constantly."