Harsh Vardhan
Kerry Washington is a highly accomplished actress who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry through her versatile talents and compelling performances. Born on January 31, 1977, in The Bronx, New York, Kerry Washington began her acting journey in 1994 when she landed a role in the ABC telefilm ‘Magical Make-Over.’ While her first notable appearance came in the film ‘Our Song’ (2000), it was her breakthrough role in the 2001 drama film ‘Save the Last Dance’ that truly introduced her to a wider and more appreciative audience.
Washington’s career skyrocketed when she took on the role of Olivia Pope in the hit television series ‘Scandal’ (2012-2018), earning widespread acclaim for her portrayal of the powerful and enigmatic crisis manager. This role garnered her numerous accolades, including Golden Globe nominations, firmly establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. In addition to her television success, Kerry Washington has also shone on the silver screen, with standout performances in films like ‘Ray’ (2004), ‘Django Unchained’ (2012), and ‘Confirmation’ (2016), where she played Anita Hill.
Washington’s dedication to her craft and her ability to bring depth to her characters have earned her a place among the industry’s most respected and celebrated talents. Her latest appearance was in ‘UnPrisoned,’ a comedy-drama series, and if that was not enough, here is a list of her upcoming projects.
1. The Six Triple Eight (2024)
‘The Six Triple Eight’ is an eagerly anticipated war drama film, both written and directed by Tyler Perry. Inspired by a 2019 WWII History magazine article penned by Kevin M. Hymel, the film sheds light on the remarkable contributions of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a unit composed entirely of black female soldiers during World War II. These 855 women stepped up to confront the Herculean task of rectifying a three-year backlog of undelivered mail. Despite facing pervasive discrimination and operating in a nation ravaged by war, they heroically sorted over 17 million pieces of mail ahead of schedule.
Notably, Kerry Washington serves as an executive producer and leads the cast, joined by stellar talents including Susan Sarandon, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Shanice Shantay, and Sarah Jeffery. They are also accompanied by other cast members — Pepi Sonuga, Jeanté Godlock, Moriah Brown, Dean Norris, and Scott Daniel Johnson. Currently in post-production, this compelling project promises to bring to life an inspiring chapter of history that deserves to be celebrated and remembered. ‘The Six Triple Eight’ will arrive on Netflix on December 20, 2024. You can watch the first look here.
2. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)
Washington is joining one of the latest and most popular film franchises, the ‘Knives Out’ franchise. ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ will see the return of Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc for yet another complex mystery featuring multiple suspects for murder. The plot is under wraps for now, but we do have the cast: Washington, Craig, Josh Brolin, Cailee Spaeny, Josh O’Connor, Jeremy Renner, Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Thomas Haden Church, and Daryl McCormack. The film is currently in its post-production stage with a release set for 2025.
3. Shadow Force (TBA)
‘Shadow Force’ is an eagerly awaited action thriller directed by Joe Carnahan, who also collaborates with Leon Chills and co-writes the screenplay. This high-octane film features the dynamic duo of Kerry Washington and Omar Sy in the lead roles, promising an adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience. The plot revolves around an estranged couple with a dangerous bounty on their heads, forcing them to embark on a desperate run for their lives, along with their young son, as they seek to evade a ruthless former employer — a shadowy unit of covert operatives sent to eliminate them.
The stellar cast also includes Mark Strong, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Ed Quinn, Sala Baker, Natalia Reyes, Yoson An, and Shaina West. Notably, Kerry Washington also serves as executive producer for this project, which is currently in the final stages of post-production. Audiences can anticipate a thrilling and action-packed cinematic ride when Shadow Force hits the big screen soon.
4. 24-7 (TBA)
Kerry Washington and Eva Longoria Baston are set to collaborate in the upcoming workplace comedy ’24-7.’ Notably, this film marks Eva Longoria Baston’s feature directorial debut, and she will take on multiple roles, including producing and starring alongside Kerry Washington, who also serves as a producer. The film’s plot revolves around a group of determined accountants who unite to confront their male colleagues within the firm, embarking on a mission to unravel a significant fraud case that could ultimately save their jobs. Currently in the pre-production stage, ’24-7′ promises to deliver a refreshing and empowering narrative that challenges workplace norms.
5. Imperfect Women (TBA)
Washington and Elisabeth Moss have been roped in by Apple for its upcoming mini-series that will be based on Araminta Hall’s 2021 novel ‘Imperfect Women.’ Annie Weisman (Apple dramedy ‘Physical’) will be adapting the story for the screen. The series is going to be a psychological thriller that explores a mystery and its investigation, which incorporates the friendship of three women, underscored by love, betrayal, and compromises. A more straightforward plotline is yet to be revealed, although the book follows the murder of a rich woman named Nancy Hennessy and the investigation, which reveals secrets that take aback her best friends, Eleanor and Mary, making them question their very bond. Both Washington and Moss will serve as executive producers. The project is yet to reach its pre-production stage. More details about the rest of the cast, production, and a release date/year are awaited.
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