Eric Adams wants Denzel Washington to play him in movie. [Image Source: THEKNOCKTURNAL]
Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams revealed on March 9, 2026, that he envisions Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington portraying him in a movie, despite having no personal plans to pursue a career in entertainment. Speaking to TMZ during a visit to Los Angeles, Adams shared his thoughts on his life after leaving Gracie Mansion and reflected on current political matters. The idea of a film featuring his life sparked reactions across social media, fueling further discussion.
Adams’ Hollywood Remark and Social Media Reactions
In Los Angeles, Adams mentioned that if a movie about his life were ever made, he would encourage Denzel Washington, a fellow New Yorker and two-time Oscar winner, to take on the role.
“I’ll tell Denzel to do it,”
Adams said jokingly. However, he was clear about stepping away from public roles, stating, “I’ve done enough public life.”
Responses from online communities quickly followed, with users offering their own casting suggestions. One social media user, @MaadyBK67, proposed comedian Dave Chappelle as a fit, commenting,
“There’s only one actor that can capture the comedic failures of Eric Adams,”
alongside a picture of Chappelle. Another user suggested Brooklyn native comedian Tracy Morgan as a better option.
Not all remarks were lighthearted. Some critics took aim at Adams’ tenure, highlighting controversial moments. For instance, @KedNYC questioned the premise of a film about Adams and referenced incidents from his time in office, tweeting,
Image of: Denzel Washington
“What would the movie even be about? Free flights to Turkey and smoking at hookah bars with influencers?”
Adams Reflects on Successor and Governance Challenges
While the notion of a movie about Adams remains speculative, the former mayor has recently commented on the challenges faced by his successor, Zohran Mamdani. According to the New York Post, Adams expressed concern that Mamdani is confronting the complexities of governance with a dose of reality, particularly on issues involving homelessness and city control.
Adams pointed out,
“He’s seeing the reality of governing. You can’t tell people who are homeless to sleep in the street. Twenty people died, and I think we’re up to over 20 now. Looking at his decision on what he wanted to do about mayoral control, at one time he was saying he didn’t want it, and now he understands you need control,”
before adding,
“So, he’s going to learn that the idealistic approach is not the realistic approach. Governing is real.”
The Broader Context of Adams’ Public Persona
After serving as a city leader and prior to his Mayoral tenure, Adams was a New York City police officer, which informed much of his public image and leadership style. His recent remarks in Los Angeles, a hub for entertainment, sparked this intersection of politics and pop culture. Despite joking about a Hollywood portrayal, Adams maintains he is done with public life’s spotlight.
Social media’s swift reactions, ranging from humor to criticism, underscore the tension and unrest surrounding Adams’ legacy and ongoing influence in New York politics. As conversations persist online, the dynamics between public perception and a former mayor’s complex history continue to generate debate.
