United News of Bangladesh

Ryan Coogler, director of the ‘Black Panther’ films, has expressed strong interest in working with Hollywood legend Denzel Washington on the highly anticipated third instalment of the Marvel franchise. Speaking on the Nightcap podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Coogler confirmed he is eager to cast Washington in the upcoming sequel, Variety reports.  “I’ve been wanting to work with Denzel for a long time,” Coogler shared. “I fully intend to make it happen. As long as he’s interested, it’s going to happen. He’s an icon and a mentor to so many of us.”  When asked about the timeline for Black Panther 3, Coogler assured fans it would not be too far off, saying, “Not long.”  Washington had previously mentioned in an interview with Australia’s Today programme that Coogler was writing a role for him in the film. CBFC blocks ‘Santosh’ theatrical release in India, Shahana Goswami disheartened However, Marvel Studios has yet to officially announce the project, with only two Avengers films and Spider-Man 4 confirmed beyond 2025. Given the franchise’s immense success—grossing over $2 billion worldwide—a third instalment is highly likely.  Washington later revealed to Variety that he apologised to Coogler for discussing the film publicly. “I called him to apologise, and his lovely wife was sitting right there. Ryan is still the same—humble and brimming with ideas. Whatever he writes, I’ll read,” he said.  Meanwhile, Coogler’s latest project, Sinners, an R-rated thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, is set for release on April 18.

In the East Room of the White House on a particularly frigid Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton aroused a standing ovation from the crowd as she received her medal. Clinton was accompanied to the event by her husband former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren. Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington were also awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor in a White House ceremony. “For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said in his opening remarks. “Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country," Biden said Saturday. Four medals were awarded posthumously. They went to George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Kennedy is father to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary. Biden said, “Bobby is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly.” Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Trump's strongest conservative critics. Read: Five-time Olympic medalist Tom Daley announces retirement from diving Biden has days left in the Presidential office and has spent the last few days issuing awards and medals to valiant military veterans, courageous law enforcement officials and exceptional Americans. The White House said the Medal of Freedom recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.” Major philanthropists receiving the award include Spanish American chef José Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen charity has become one of the world's most recognized food relief organizations, and Bono, the front man for rock band U2 and a social justice activist. Soros' son Alex Soros accepted the medal on his father's behalf. In an emailed statement, Soros said: “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor." Sports and entertainment stars recognized include professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend the event; retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, who is an outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy." Other awardees include conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour; American fashion designer Ralph Lauren; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm. Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the honor. Read more: Prince Amyn Aga Khan conferred with Municipal Merit Medal Last year, Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 19 people, including the late Medgar Evers, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina and actor Michelle Yeoh. The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. Notable Medal of Freedom recipients from the past include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou and Mother Teresa.