Denzel Washington is proud of his kids. Why wouldn’t he be? His youngest son, Malcolm Washington, just made his directorial debut with an adaptation of August Wilson’s play, The Piano Lesson , which he co-wrote with Virgil Williams. The film also stars Denzel’s eldest son, John David Washington, along with his sister Katya, who serves as executive producer, and Malcolm’s twin sister Olivia, who also has a role in the film.
Washington owns the rights to August Wilson's catalog and has an overall deal with Netflix to produce the 10-play Pittsburgh Cycle, also known as “Cycle of the Century.” Set over several decades of the 20th century, the play chronicles the African American community's experience and heritage.
His longtime producing partner, Todd Black, has collaborated with him for years on various projects, including the first three films adapted from Wilson's novel: “Fences” (2016), “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom” (2020), and now “The Piano Lesson.”
“Fences” earned Washington his first Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, becoming the first black person in history to be nominated for both producing and acting in the same year.
“The Piano Lesson,” which also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Daniel Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins and Michael Potts, is the most cinematic of the three Wilson adaptations to date. Denzel Washington wants all Wilson films to feel unique. “Every movie is different, and it will be different,” he says.
Todd Black
Black and Washington tell diverse Exclusive: The next edit of Wilson's catalog will be “Joe Turner Has Come and Gone.”
“We haven't talked to anyone involved in this yet, though,” Washington says before laughing, “Well… we haven't talked to You “Men about it.”
Does this mean they're close to casting the main cast? The film is set in the 1910s and tells the story of a handful of freed African Americans who were slaves in the North, and who deal with immigration and discrimination.
Joe Turner opened on Broadway in 1988, directed by Lloyd Richards and starring Delroy Lindo and Angela Bassett. Another Broadway production, directed by Bartlett Sher, opened at the Belasco Theatre in 2009, starring Chad L. Coleman and Danai Gurira.
diverse We sat down with Black and Washington to discuss their long-standing 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.”
Katya Washington/Netflix
How did the partnership with Todd Black and Denzel Washington begin?
Todd Black: The story began in the Valley in July 1989. I was a young producer, and I really wanted to meet Denzel. At the time, I had never seen an actor like him before—someone who didn’t just act, but lived the role. So I kept pestering his manager, Ed Limato, to arrange a meeting. Finally, Ed gave me an hour with Denzel.
How was that first meeting?
black: I was nervous but excited more than anything. We sat down to lunch, and Denzel asked me, “Why am I here?” I said, “Because I want to work with you.” He was kind, and he said something that has always stuck with me: “When you read a script that makes your heart race and keeps you up at night, call me.” That advice has stuck with me throughout my films.
Denzel, can you talk about your son Malcolm and his journey as a filmmaker?
Washington: I’m so proud of Malcolm. He went to the American Film Institute, one of the best film schools, and graduated valedictorian of his class. I think he did anyway, and that’s what I’ve been telling everyone. I knew from a young age that he had a vision. I learned from my son the difference between making a film and being a filmmaker. I’ve made four films. Todd was leaning on me, but I didn’t necessarily know what I was supposed to do. Malcolm studied filmmaking. He’s an academic. When he was younger, he would read my scripts and ask insightful questions. His mother was a movie buff, so Malcolm—like all of my kids—grew up watching movies. He always had a desire to make movies, and now he does.
Todd, you've known Malcolm since he was a little boy. How did it feel to see 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 brothers would come into my office when they were younger, maybe not even teenagers; Malcolm was the one asking all the questions about movies. He always had a love for movies. Watching him grow into the visionary filmmaker he is today is amazing. He worked hard, studied filmmaking at the highest level, and now he’s making amazing stuff.
Movie fans say you have a signature acting move, the single teardrop, like the one you showed in the 1989 movie “Glory.”
Washington: This is not a “signature move.” The signature move looks like a common move. In fact, it tore because the whip was wet and it really hurt. It was a real tear. This is a true story. He was touched, and if you go back and look, they kept getting everything wet, and the felt was wet. And he was hitting me in the back, and it hurt.
black: How many shots did you do?
Washington: I don't even know how he cut it to be honest. He cut it back and forth so many times, no one can predict what's going to happen. All I know is that it hurt – I wasn't crying but it was a real tear.
How did you get to Daniel Deadwyler and Ray Fisher?
Washington: Bernice is a very complex character, and Danielle is an extraordinary actress and person.
black: With Ray, if you saw the play, he was great there. We had the privilege of seeing him on stage. We had a hard time getting him because he had other commitments. Thank God for his agents. They were really helpful. We stuck with it, because every time we talked about other actors that we couldn’t get, they didn’t approach us. I remember this conversation with Denzel and Malcolm. We were like, “That’s a good actor, but he’s not Ray.” There comes a time when an actor meets a role, or a role meets an actor, whatever they call it, and that’s the case with Ray.
You should feel very proud when you see your children succeed in the film industry 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 are doing fantastically. My daughter is working in the West End in London, and my sons and my daughter Katya are doing very well in film. I am proud of them, not just for their success but for the fact that they are doing it as a close-knit family, supporting each other. So that is the greatest gift. That they are healthy, still humble. And they work hard. And they love each other, a close-knit unit. I would smack them over the head if they didn’t do that.
Denzel, I want to ask you about your involvement in Gladiator 2. Fans were nervous when they first heard the announcement, but knowing you were a part of it gave them hope. What can you tell us?
Washington: Huge! Ridiculously big! [Long pause with a smile]
And… Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal? Are they any good?
Washington: Not good. Great. Both. It's a tough act to follow, and Paul nailed it. He's his own wrestler. I didn't have to do anything but that. [sips water with pinky up]That was my job. Just spin the cup and spin the cup and hold whatever in my other hand. And be careful not to step on my dress. New Trailer [for “Gladiator 2”] Coming out on the 23rd of this month, it's an epic movie.
Denzel, I've noticed how much your children love your wife, Pauletta, and we can only hope that our children will love us just as much, even into adulthood. Can you talk about that?
Washington: [Laughing] Look, I know that if it was a choice between me and their mother… “Dad, thanks… bye!” You can't win this game, and you never will. And I get that.
black: He's not as good a cook as she is.
Washington: But seriously… this is the foundation for all my children. Actors, directors, producers, etc. in London. Their mother laid the foundation for them. She is trustworthy in every syllable and letter of that word. She is consistent. She has done everything a woman or man could do. She has been amazing.
What are some key lessons you've learned from each other?
black: I mean… Denzel is always so generous with his information, and his loyalty in this business is rare. We know what each other likes, and we have similar tastes when it comes to movies. It’s more than just a 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, read them out loud and review every line. That process has shaped how I work with other filmmakers as well.
Washington: We're professionals, and we're friends. That means a lot in this business. He's the best at what he does, and he's my friend. I couldn't ask for more.
