Renowned figures in the cinematic world, Denzel Washington and Steven Spielberg are often celebrated as titans in their respective fields. Spielberg’s illustrious career as a director has yielded some of the most iconic films in history, while Washington stands as one of the leading actors of his generation. Surprisingly, despite their numerous accolades and proximity in Hollywood, these two legends have never collaborated on a project. There have been a few near-collaborations, but each opportunity has ultimately not come to fruition.
Fortunately, Spielberg has shared numerous anecdotes about his interactions within the film industry, allowing fans to trace a timeline of when his path nearly intersected with Washington’s. Over the decades, Spielberg has directed many of the most prestigious Hollywood actors, including stalwarts like Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, and Tom Cruise. This makes Washington’s absence from this illustrious list all the more notable.
The Spielberg Film Denzel Washington Declined
Washington Was Offered A Role in Amistad
One notable instance of an almost collaboration is the film Amistad, one of Spielberg’s underrated gems that marked his shift towards darker, more mature storytelling in the 1990s. This powerful film recounts a harrowing true event from 1839, where an enslaved African man led a revolt on a Spanish ship. Despite the potential for a groundbreaking partnership, Washington turned down the lead role of Joseph Cinque. According to Casting Might-Have-Beens: A Film by Film Directory of Actors Considered for Roles Given to Others by Eila Mell, Washington expressed discomfort with portraying a slave, a consideration that, while rarely discussed, speaks to the sensitive nature of the material tackled by Amistad. The role ultimately went to Djimon Hounsou.
Spielberg Could Have Directed a Film Starring Washington
The Director Was Originally Attached to The Little Things
Another scenario where Spielberg and Washington’s professional paths nearly aligned was with the 2021 crime thriller The Little Things. In this film, Washington portrays an LAPD detective tasked with tracking down a serial killer in Los Angeles. Although the film was eventually directed by John Lee Hancock, Spielberg had initially received the script back in the 1990s. Hancock revealed to Variety that Spielberg passed on the opportunity, believing the storyline was too dark for his sensibilities at that stage in his career following the release of Schindler’s List.
Interestingly, it wasn’t until the late 2010s that Washington became involved with the project after Hancock collaborated with him on the remake of The Magnificent Seven. The script did circulate among other prominent directors, including Clint Eastwood and Danny DeVito, but it struggled to find its momentum through the years. Ultimately, although The Little Things faced delays and garnered mixed reviews upon release, the film represented a noteworthy yet disappointing venture for Washington.
The Insightful Advice from Spielberg to Washington
The Pair Have Stayed in Touch Over the Years
Although Washington and Spielberg have not collaborated professionally, their paths have continued to cross through casual communication. In an interview promoting The Little Things, Washington imparted a piece of advice from Spielberg when he expressed an aspiration to direct his own film:
“Steven told me years ago, when I was nervous about making movies: ‘Everybody steals, Denzel, but make sure to steal from the best.’ I’ve been re-watching Coppola’s Godfather movies and stealing shots from them. And I’ll be stealing from Spielberg as well.”- Denzel Washington
This candid guidance from Spielberg underscores what contributes to his status as a legendary filmmaker. He embraces his influences, acknowledging the filmmakers who have inspired him while integrating those lessons into his work. This advice proved beneficial for Washington, as his directorial debut Fences earned a Best Picture nomination at the 2017 Academy Awards, further solidifying his place in cinematic history, bolstered by Oscar-nominated performances from both him and Viola Davis.