Throughout his illustrious career, Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington has proven on a number of occasions that he's more than capable of handling some hard dramatic material, going back to his breakout role in the 1989 Civil War film Glory. However, he's also made a name for himself as an action star, most recently displaying those impressive chops in last year's 2 Guns.

Washington will once again assume an action hero's persona in this month's The Equalizer, which reunites the thespian with his Training Day director Antoine Fuqua. The film is testing so well with audiences that it's being envisioned as the first in a series, which would be new ground for Washington.

Franchises are gaining more and more prestige as time goes on, as evidenced by other Oscar winners and nominees such as Robert Downey Jr., Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck taking key roles in these big-budget pictures. Would Washington be willing to join those ranks should the opportunity present itself? The actor discussed the possibility during a Reddit AMA session.

Black Panther Movie Development

One of the questions Washington fielded was to gauge his interest in playing a Marvel or DC superhero, namely the John Stewart Green Lantern (a role he was previously rumored for) or Luke Cage. Here's what he had to say:

 “Didn't they do the 'Green Lantern'? With Ryan Reynolds! Too late! Green Lantern Returns? Isn't there a comic book, the 'Black Panther' or something?”

Black Panther is one of the upcoming Marvel Studios films that's been generating a lot of buzz recently, as both Kevin Feige and Stan Lee have said that it's something they are actively developing. Around SDCC 2014, Star Wars: Episode VII star John Boyega teased that he was up for the role with a series of cryptic tweets that involved "booking a flight to Wakanda" (Black Panther's home country).

Washington's quote would seem to indicate that he would be willing to discuss the role with Marvel, but that may not be the case. CinemaBlend reached out to Washington shortly after the Reddit AMA made headlines, and he provided some clarity on his comment:

“I’m probably getting too old. They didn’t make the 'Black Panther' yet, though, did they? I heard that they have been talking about it. That’s cool.”

Denzel Washington in 'The Equalizer' (2014) trailer

At age 59, Denzel would be one of the elder statesmen in the genre should he take on any comic book role. The Equalizer previews have shown that he can beat down bad guys with the best of them, but the notion of him becoming a superhero onscreen might not be that realistic.

With Disney and Warner Bros. planning expansive shared movie universes complete with spinoffs and follow-ups, they'll most likely skew toward the younger side of the spectrum so the actors chosen can carry the torch for at least a few installments.

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NEXT PAGE: Denzel as Bond?

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The Equalizer will be in theaters September 26, 2014.

Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisAgar90.

Sources: Reddit [via Comic Book], CinemaBlend

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Denzel Washington The Equalizer Image

The possibility of donning a superhero costume wasn't the only thing Washington discussed during his AMA session. Another major franchise he was asked about was James Bond - specifically if he'd be up for wearing the suit and driving the Aston Martin when Daniel Craig's time is done.

Read his quote:

"Yes I would! Who's doing James Bond now..Daniel Craig! Did they shoot another one? Everybody should tweet Denzel is James Bond! Send it to the studio! We start the Denzel is Bond campaign today! James Washington. Denzel Bond."

As is the case with his Black Panther comments, moviegoers should only read that quote as the actor expressing his enthusiasm and nothing more. Craig is still under contract for two more Bond pictures (including next fall's currently untitled Bond 24), meaning that he will be Agent 007 for the next handful of years (if not more). And since two of his three outings - Casino Royale and Skyfall - are considered by some to rank among the series' finest installments, the studio won't be looking to replace him anytime soon.

But like Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and several others before him, there will come a day when Craig decides to hang up the tux and move on. Would Denzel work as a successor for Bond 26?

James Bond in art gallery in 'Skyfall'

Due to his age (he'll be in his sixties when that time comes), it's unlikely. Not to mention, Washington could very well be knee-deep in his own action franchise should The Equalizer become as successful as Sony is hoping.

Denzel certainly has the screen presence, charisma, and acting ability to pull off either a superhero or James Bond, so the reality of the situation is unfortunate. Moviegoers would love to see him up there with Iron Man or taking orders from M, but it's probably not meant to be.

While he might not be the ideal candidate to become the face of these aforementioned franchises, perhaps he can parlay his interest into playing a villain. The thought of Craig's Bond squaring off against a criminal in the vein as the devious Alonzo Harris is something many of us would sign up for.

The Equalizer will be in theaters September 26, 2014.

Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisAgar90.

Source: Reddit [via Comic Book]