Denzel Washington makes cryptic admission when asked about Gladiator 2 role

Denzel Washington has opened up about getting involved in Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2 alongside his future plans in filmmaking, and it's sent fans heads' spinning.

Gladiator 2 has one of the most star-studded casts 2024 is yet to see - think The Last of Us' Pedro Pascal, Normal People's Paul Mescal and none other than Man on Fire star Washington.

With Ridley Scott at the helm as the director of the long-awaited sequel, Washington has opened up about what made him want to get involved in the movie.

In an interview with Empire, the 69-year-old actor explained that he was 'tremendously inspired by Ridley' which is why he ended up jumping on board for Gladiator 2 - playing the role of power broker and former slave Macrinus.

He explained the pair's previous collaboration on 2007 thriller American Gangster helped him know what he would be getting himself into as well.

Washington said: "We had a great go-round the first go-round and here we are."

However, another comment made by the actor has sent fans scurrying to their keyboards in worry.

Denzel Washington stars as Macrinus in the upcoming sequel (Paramount Pictures)

In complimenting Scott for 'tremendously inspiring' him with Gladiator 2, Washington also said: "There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker."

And it's left fans of the actor questioning whether or not he may be hinting at winding down his acting career soon or even possibly retiring.

One Twitter user said: "His performances have always been a powerful force in cinema, I can't imagine not seeing more of his work."

"Don’t tell me the goat boutta hang it up," another added, while a third commented: "This is so sad."

"He has to make a Two Guns sequel before retiring," a fourth wrote.

And a fifth said: "Noooo please don't leave us."

However, others argued that maybe the time is right.

Washington said what now? (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

A user said: "The real ones are done with new hollywood."

"He’s done everything. I want to see more of his work behind the camera and directing," a second suggested.

Meanwhile, another wrote: "I figured. Broadway it is."

And a final resolved: "Yeah this man has nothing more to prove. He is a legend. Period. Just about anything he gives us nowadays is a treat.

"Denzel is in the age range of when Sidney Poitier when he did 'Shoot to Kill' with Tom Berenger.

"And he was a legend in his own right & didn't have to do movies."

So, what do you think?