The long and remarkable history of Denzel Washington in The Little Things movie history began many years before its 2021 release, tracing an ambitious path through Hollywood’s evolving landscape. What started as a quest shared by visionary filmmakers and stars—including the late Brandon Lee and Steven Spielberg—finally found its form nearly three decades later, culminating in a story that would pay tribute to lost dreams and enduring ambitions.
Early Aspirations and an Unfinished Promise
The Little Things, a crime thriller ultimately led by Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto, had its roots in the early 1990s. Written by John Lee Hancock in 1993, the original concept focused on a seasoned Los Angeles detective teaming up with a new partner to catch a serial killer. Hancock envisioned a cast of Hollywood greats, considering Clint Eastwood, Warren Beatty, and Danny DeVito for major roles.
Among the early supporters was Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, whose career was rising swiftly at the time. According to Hancock, Lee had a deep personal connection to the project.
Brandon was a very good friend; he read everything I wrote. When he read the first draft of this, he said, ‘I have to be in this movie.’
—John Lee Hancock, Director
Sadly, Lee’s life was cut short in 1993 while filming The Crow, and he never had the chance to participate in The Little Things. Recognizing the significance of their friendship, Hancock resolved to honor Lee’s memory in the completed film. Collaborating with Lee’s family, Hancock included a subtle tribute—footage from Ohara, the 1988–1990 television series where Lee had appeared as a young actor, was featured in the background of a crucial scene. Warner Bros. provided options for era-appropriate shows, and Hancock chose Ohara without hesitation, fulfilling his promise to keep Lee part of the journey.
The Spielberg Chapter and Hollywood Delays
The early development of The Little Things was shaped by some of the industry’s biggest names. Hancock wrote the script with Steven Spielberg in mind, following Spielberg’s success on Schindler’s List. Hoping for a collaboration under a Warner Bros. blind picture deal, Hancock shared his detailed outline and discussed the story directly with Spielberg.
I wrote a long outline and talked to him on the phone about it… He really liked it. He said, ‘This is really, really good storytelling. It’s just too dark for me right now. I’m finishing Schindler’s List. I can’t live in this dark world again.’ And I understood that completely.
—John Lee Hancock, Director
Despite Spielberg’s admiration for the storytelling, the script was passed over, deemed too emotionally intense after the director’s experience with such weighty subject matter. Subsequent years saw other major Hollywood figures—including Clint Eastwood, Warren Beatty, and Danny DeVito—consider leading or producing the film. However, the project repeatedly stalled, and Hancock’s script remained unproduced for nearly 28 years.
A Film That Bridges Hollywood Generations
It wasn’t until Hancock himself assumed the role of director that The Little Things finally moved from development to production. Released in January 2021, the movie drew attention for its atmospheric homage to 1970s crime thrillers, unflinching moral ambiguity, and the commanding presence of its Oscar-winning cast. While reviewers responded with mixed opinions, audiences noted the film’s unique feel—a testament to the persistence and original vision of John Lee Hancock.
The personal legacy woven throughout the narrative added emotional resonance. Not only did Denzel Washington’s performance anchor the project, but the inclusion of Brandon Lee’s remembered dream and the participation of actors like Jared Leto and Rami Malek underscored the multi-generational appeal. For Hancock, seeing The Little Things through to completion represented both a creative victory and a heartfelt homage to a friend whose ambitions were never forgotten.
A Legacy Carried Forward
The journey of Denzel Washington in The Little Things movie history reveals how Hollywood projects can span decades, shaped by shifting partnerships and the lasting influence of those involved. The careful tributes and dedicated direction ensured that even lost voices had a place in the finished product. Today, the film stands not only as a gripping thriller but as a testament to perseverance, memory, and the intertwining of personal history with cinematic achievement.
The Little Things is currently available for rent on digital platforms such as Apple TV and Plex, continuing to invite audiences into the layered backstory that brought it to the screen.
