Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood's biggest names, has worked with countless legendary actors. But one pairing that almost happened but never came to fruition involves Morgan Freeman. It almost happened, but the pair were never able to work together again after "Glory," which was a total hit back in 1989!
A Missed Opportunity:
In the mid-1990s, Denzel Washington had a chance to work with Morgan Freeman in David Fincher's thriller called Se7en, a total hit, earning an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes back in 1995!
What made it such a potential big deal was that the movie, could have reunited this powerful pairing in "Se7en. This came right after "Glory," but sadly, Washington decided against doing it.
Why Denzel Washington Said No:
Washington passed on the role in "Se7en," because he thought the story was too intense, focusing on very dark, demonic aspects. But while the Se7en movie did not work out for Washington, he still had a successful year in 1995, having released a collection of movies that earned positive praise. The interesting element is he later came to regret this choice but never got to bring that role back again.
- Crimson Tide was one of his big hits!
- Virtuosity was well loved and talked about!
- And finally, Devil in a Blue Dress was incredibly moving.
This film would have provided some iconic scenes with these big name actors together in one project. And even if he couldn't have that chance he's had a long successful career, building on memorable roles and working alongside several of Hollywood's most notable actors, receiving lots of great reviews, over all these decades and many hits! If he had appeared as Detective Mills, he might have generated some crazy new excitement! But Brad Pitt certainly filled the shoes remarkably well, it does seem like it was truly a missed opportunity, creating something memorable for movie-goers around the world!
The Glory Dynamic:
Denzel Washington had some remarkable work and the ability to really bring intense emotions into every single project! It also created plenty of big success with actors he had worked with. "Glory is just one of his well-loved shows.
Even this movie created one incredible pairing as he had his first collaboration with Morgan Freeman back in 1989, generating lots of praise! It appears that they both had some amazing parts that showed their capabilities in "Glory" and that iconic film earned a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. For the audience ratings it generated even more - 93%! Both actors were really able to make these moments stick.
A Reunion That Never Was:
A major part of "Se7en", which is considered by fans, would have been their dynamic, being the type of thing to attract many film buffs!
The plot follows William Somerset, an older detective. It would be such a notable part in their lives. But more than just seeing them together onscreen! It had something very interesting.
- This would make this their second chance to collaborate as Freeman and Washington really would shine!
- They're really a well-respected pair and their mentor roles would bring "Glory" right back onto the screen!
- Freeman's Somerset is more like the steady mentor, while Washington, in his more edgy version, could show off his skill!
Although Pitt is iconic as Mills, imagine the same role being played by Washington!
An Earlier Collaboration:
While some people have loved Washington's performance in "Glory" with Freeman they've worked together way before. Few realize that even "Glory wasn't even their first. Their debut together, wasn't in some Hollywood blockbuster film! The memorable moment?
- The duo actually shared a set back in 1979 at The New York Shakespeare Festival
- That is where they starred in a William Shakespeare's Coriolanus live performance
The director created opportunities and the show was able to make quite an impact with this casting of Freeman playing Coriolanus while Washington played Aedile ( a soldier) and a Volscian citizen!
The producers worked to build an epic moment with mostly all Black and Hispanic actors and that memorable show received tons of praise.
The legacy is there! With so many collaborations. This really does make "Glory stand out! Few might realize just how impactful these roles have been and that really explains why this potential pairing of Washington and Freeman could have resulted in one for the history books!
While we'll likely never get a definitive chance to watch Washington and Freeman work together! This makes "Glory a show to check out and revisit time and time again. Even after all these years it seems both performers will always generate new talk, with those that admire and those who appreciate their amazing, unique and versatile work! There could just be a lot more than these two legends of Hollywood might give the world someday!
