Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal have been working side-by-side on a brand new mission. Their collaboration is probably not a 2025 film launch, however their performing chops matched up on a complete different stage for a contemporary reimagination of Shakespeare’s Othello. These two are the star-power duo I didn’t know I wanted, as Denzel’s youthful co-star hilariously roasted the legend for under simply discovering the therapeutic energy of ice.
The Malcolm X star is not any stranger to Shakespeare’s works. It is why Denzel Washington doesn’t name himself a “Hollywood actor,” even when theater-first actor occurs to have starred in a number of the greatest high-grossing motion pictures. He is identified for starring in must-see Shakespeare diversifications like The Tragedy of Macbeth and A lot Ado About Nothing on the massive display, however first introduced The Bard’s phrases to life in Richard III, Julius Caesar, and a school manufacturing of Othello when he was 22.
Effectively, Denzel Washington’s Shakespearian roots are available in full kind as soon as once more on the Broadway stage, revisiting the title position of Othello with Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago. The 2 have confirmed to be the dynamic duo I didn’t know I wanted after the Brokeback Mountain star hilariously roasted the legendary actor in a Playbill interview over “ice:”
- Denzel Washington: My knees swell up within the night. I found ice.
- Jake Gyllenhaal: You didn’t find out about ice?
- Washington: No, I didn’t find out about ice at 22. At 22, I used to be going to the library at Lincoln Heart and listening to whoever it was I used to be listening to and simply imitating him. I don’t do this anymore.
Ice would positively be the trick to heal these swollen knees. Depart it to Jake Gyllenhaal to mess along with his veteran co-star about that! I’m shocked Denzel Washington by no means tried utilizing ice or any type of chilly compresses earlier than to help any knee pains.
Then once more, it’s been about seven years for the reason that Fences actor was final on stage performing The Iceman Cometh and even longer since he first did Othello. Because the American actor turned 70 in December, he’s gotta preserve these knees sturdy if he’s gonna deal with standing for these breathtaking stage performances till June.
The Academy Award winner has additionally mentioned his preparation for enjoying Othello entails waking up at three within the morning and dedicating 15-18 hours to the army commander position. This reveals how a lot Washington beloved the Shakespearean manufacturing and the way significantly he took his craft.
Try this video of him taken months previous to returning to Othello, the place he might nonetheless recite the play’s dialogue from his preliminary performances.
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All through his interview with Playbill, Jake Gyllenhaal has spoken about what “a dream come true” it’s been to work with Denzel Washington. Earlier than manufacturing for Othello even began, the Nightcrawler actor humbly bragged in regards to the stage play gig, working with the legendary actor and contributing to the historical past of performers earlier than him who performed Iago. What a profession step to indicate the world what you are able to do stay on the theater stage.
It’s clear the collaborative expertise has meant a terrific deal to the Othello co-stars, as Denzel Washington gave Jake Gyllenhaal main performing props that made the Donnie Darko actor a bit of emotional. Gyllenhaal warmly responded to what a “chief” and “big coronary heart” his co-star has, like a real fan. I’m certain the duo has superb working chemistry to play two Marines who in the end discover themselves in a sophisticated, psychological battle with each other.
With Denzel Washington returning to the stage with Othello, his youthful co-star, Jake Gyllenhaal, clearly can’t resist roasting him for not utilizing ice to deal with his swollen knees. If Gyllenhaal needs to be a loyal performing associate, I believe he must be entrusted with handing the Keep in mind the Titans actor a frozen bag of peas! In case you come throughout the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York, you may watch the 2 gifted actors in Othello performances till June eighth.