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Denzel Washington’s status as a cinematic icon is undisputed, with his filmography boasting an array of masterpieces that have solidified his place in Hollywood history. However, what might surprise some is the frequency with which Washington has taken on roles in film remakes, often breathing new life into beloved classics.
Among his notable remakes are “The Manchurian Candidate,” “Man on Fire,” “The Magnificent Seven,” and “The Taking of Pelham 123.” Additionally, his portrayal of Robert McCall in “The Equalizer” franchise stems from a reimagining of the 1980s television series.
While promoting “The Manchurian Candidate,” which itself was a remake of a 1962 film starring Frank Sinatra, Washington offered insight into his perspective on revisiting classic material. He articulated to IGN that the notion of certain films being considered “untouchable” classics shouldn’t deter filmmakers from exploring new interpretations.
“A lot of people considered original Shakespeare a classic, too, but he’s been interpreted many times,” Washington pointed out. Drawing a parallel to theater, where reinterpretations of classic works are commonplace, he questioned why cinema should be treated any differently.
“It’s a fair point, right?” Washington mused. Indeed, the prejudice against remakes in the film industry contrasts with the acceptance of reimaginings in other artistic mediums. Perhaps, as Washington suggests, our perception of remakes in cinema warrants reconsideration.
However, there are limits even to Washington’s open-mindedness when it comes to remakes. As he humorously alluded to, certain cinematic masterpieces, like “Jaws,” are best left untouched. After all, there are some lines even the most daring filmmakers dare not cross, lest they incur the wrath of a hungry great white shark – or, in jest, the passionate fans who hold these classics dear.