Despite some erroneous reports that he was retiring, Denzel Washington has continued to have an active career into his septuagenarian era. Last year, he played a key role in Gladiator II, and this year he takes on Highest 2 Lowest in what will probably be his final film with Spike Lee.

These more recent developments augment a career that has been full of instant classics. Standout works include Malcolm X, Glory, and Training Day, among other тιтles.

One such classic Washington movie is Crimson Tide. Also starring the late, great Gene Hackman, this film was a conspiracy thriller about a First Officer on a U.S. nuclear missile sub who has to prevent his Captain from launching the missiles before his order to do so is confirmed.

Late last week, producer Jerry Bruckheimer reported on the Rich Eisen Show that Crimson Tide 2 is in development. The producer hopes that Washington will come back for this sequel, though his appearance is not confirmed. If Washington does go for the sequel, it would continue his new career pattern.

Crimson Tide 2 Would Continue Denzel Washington’s Sequel Run

Three Of His Last Five Films Were Sequels

While many actors gain career momentum through taking parts in franchises, this has never been true for Washington. Instead, the actor went most of his career without making a single sequel, which made him stand out from other actors.

This has changed in the last few years. Now, three of Washington’s last five movies have been sequels, with The Equalizer 2, The Equalizer 3, and Gladiator II.

And he is not stopping any time soon. Washington already has two more Equalizer sequels planned. If he end up doing Crimson Tide 2, this would be a third upcomming sequel, marking a significant career pattern for an actor that is not as accustomed to such movies.

While this is a change from Washington’s personal status quo, his sequel run is not entirely surprising. These movies are really fun films, that often honor some earlier cinema works. They are also easy moneymakers that will allow Washington to also sprinkle in artistic works like Macbeth or Highest 2 Lowest.

Crimson Tide 2 Should Only Happen If Denzel Washington Returns

He Is Essential To The Story

Washington should make another sequel with Crimson Tide 2, because if the film is made, it needs to be made with Washington. The 1995 film features one of Washington’s more iconic 1990s performances. Having him return would be a positive source of nostalgia.

Crimson Tide 2 already has to forge ahead without Hackman, which will change the dynamic of the movie completely. The best legacy sequels (see Top Gun: Maverick, for example) include members of the main cast. Washington would be the best cast member to rehire, and with his sequel slant recently, it just might be possible.