Denzel Washington Avoids Watching Movies He Stars In, Reveals Lack of Interest in Past Projects

Acclaimed actor Denzel Washington, a two-time Academy Award winner, shared his unique approach to cinema during a recent conversation with A$AP Rocky and Spike Lee for a GQ video. Intriguingly, the veteran actor admitted he doesn’t watch movies, citing fatigue with film as a possible reason.

“I don’t watch movies, man,” Washington stated, prompting laughter from Lee and a chuckle from Rocky. He clarified, “I don’t go to the movies. I don’t watch movies.”

Rocky then inquired if this avoidance of cinema was due to his extensive career as a film actor, to which Washington agreed, “Probably.”

Their conversation took place amidst the release of their neo-noir crime thriller “Highest 2 Lowest,” which is now screening in US cinemas and set to air on AppleTV+ next month. In this production, both Washington and Rocky appear.

During the chat, Rocky reminisced about working with John David, Denzel’s son, in Anthony Mandler’s 2018 crime drama “Monster.” This seemed to surprise Washington, who expressed delight at hearing of their friendship.

“I made really good friends with your son, John David,” Rocky said. “He’s a really good brother.”

Washington, amused, asked if he and John David were close, prompting another chuckle from Rocky. Lee then jokingly commented that John David doesn’t watch films either.

In the conversation, Washington assured Rocky of their shared film history, although he admitted to not being fully aware of the closeness of their friendship. “I know we were in a film together,” Washington said, “but I didn’t know y’all were tight-knit.”

“Highest 2 Lowest” marks their fifth collaboration, following their debut project, the 1990 drama “Mo’ Better Blues.” When asked about his favorite work with Lee, Washington responded, “I don’t have favorites. I always tell people – they say, ‘What’s your favorite movie?’ I say, ‘My next one.’ I’m not interested in the past. Actually, I’ve never seen ‘Mo’ Better’ since.”

Lee then questioned if Washington had also avoided watching his subsequent films, to which Washington admitted, “I haven’t seen any of them from top to bottom.”

In addition to “Highest 2 Lowest,” Washington’s upcoming projects include the Netflix heist movie “Here Comes the Flood,” where he will star alongside Robert Pattinson and Daisy Edgar-Jones.