Denzel Washington And Jake Gyllenhaal Are The Duo I Didn’t Know I Needed As The Younger Othello Co-Star Roasts The Legend Over ‘Ice’

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Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal are currently teaming up on a new venture. While it’s uncertain if this project will hit theaters in 2025, their combined talents promise an exceptional take on a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Othello.” These two stars make a dynamic duo that I never knew was missing from my radar, with Denzel’s younger counterpart playfully joking about teasing the veteran actor for only recently discovering the benefits of icing.

As a cinephile and Shakespearean aficionado, I’ve had the privilege to step into roles that have made me no stranger to The Bard’s works. While my career has seen me share the silver screen with some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, I’ve never considered myself just a “Hollywood actor.” My roots lie in the theater, and it was there that I first breathed life into the timeless words of Shakespeare, from the gripping tragedies of Richard III and Julius Caesar to the passionate drama of Othello. And later, on the grand stage of cinema, I’ve had the honor to portray Macbeth and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. These roles have not only been a testament to my versatility as an actor but also a tribute to the enduring power of Shakespeare’s works.

Once more, Denzel Washington delves into his Shakespearian background, taking on the lead role of Othello on Broadway alongside Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago. Their pairing, following Gyllenhaal’s light-hearted ribbing of Washington in a Playbill interview, has proven to be an unexpected yet captivating duo.

  • Denzel Washington: My knees swell up in the evening. I discovered ice.
  • Jake Gyllenhaal: You didn’t know about ice?
  • Washington: No, I didn’t know about ice at 22. At 22, I was going to the library at Lincoln Center and listening to whoever it was I was listening to and just imitating him. I don’t do that anymore.

Ice is definitely the solution for easing swollen knees. It’s no surprise that Jake Gyllenhaal teased his co-star about it! I find it hard to believe Denzel Washington hasn’t used ice or cold compresses before to alleviate any knee discomfort.

It’s been nearly seven years since the actor who played Fences last appeared on stage in The Iceman Cometh, and even more time since his debut as Othello. Now that he has turned 70, he needs to maintain his strength, particularly his knees, if he intends to continue standing for these captivating stage performances until June.

In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, this esteemed actor, an Academy Award laureate, has shared his meticulous approach to embodying Othello. To immerse himself in the role of the military commander, he would rise at the ungodly hour of three in the morning, pouring up to 15-18 hours of his day into the character. This dedication underscores not only his passion for Shakespearean theater but also his commitment to his craft, a testament to his deep respect and love for the art form.

Have a look at this old video of him, which was recorded before he went back to perform Othello again. In it, he can still remember the lines from his early performances.

In his conversation with Playbill, Jake Gyllenhaal expressed how working alongside Denzel Washington in their upcoming production of “Othello” has been an extraordinary opportunity for him. Even before filming began, Gyllenhaal couldn’t help but share his excitement about landing the stage role and collaborating with the esteemed actor, as well as adding his name to the list of performers who have portrayed Iago in the past. Working on a live theater production is an exceptional chance for him to demonstrate his skills to the world.

It’s evident that the collaborative process between the Othello co-stars, Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, has been deeply meaningful for both. In fact, Washington praised Gyllenhaal’s acting skills so highly that it left the Donnie Darko actor quite emotional. Graciously accepting these compliments, Gyllenhaal acknowledged Washington as a “leader” and someone with a “huge heart,” showing true admiration. Given their mutual respect and camaraderie, I’m confident they will deliver captivating performances as two Marines embroiled in a complex, psychological struggle against each other.

As Denzel Washington makes his comeback to the stage with “Othello”, it’s evident that Jake Gyllenhaal can’t help but tease him about his choice not to use ice on his swollen knees for relief. Given their camaraderie, I believe Gyllenhaal would be well-suited to deliver a bag of frozen peas to Washington! If you find yourself in New York City, drop by the Ethel Barrymore Theatre to catch these two gifted actors bring “Othello” to life until June 8th.

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2025-04-09 20:44