Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed interest in having acclaimed actor Denzel Washington portray him in a movie. Speaking during a visit to Los Angeles on March 9, 2026, Adams revealed that while he has no ambitions in Hollywood, he envisions Washington, a two-time Academy Award winner and fellow New Yorker, as an ideal fit for a potential film about his life. This suggestion comes amid Adams’s recent departure from public office and reflects his thoughts on how his story might be represented on screen.
Adams Rules Out Acting Career but Welcomes the Idea of a Biopic
Although Adams acknowledged the possibility of a movie role, he clarified that he has no intentions of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry himself, stating, “I’ve done enough public life.” His remarks were captured by TMZ during his time in Los Angeles, where he also shared his views on recent political developments, including the Trump administration’s policies on Iran. The former mayor’s comments about casting Washington came somewhat jokingly, yet they gained significant attention online.
Social Media Reacts with Humor and Suggestions
The announcement quickly caught the attention of social media users, prompting a wave of reactions filled with humor and alternative casting ideas. Comedians such as Dave Chappelle and Tracy Morgan were suggested by some as more fitting choices to play Adams, reflecting the mixed and often critical public perception of the former mayor. For example, one user on X (formerly Twitter) humorously tweeted,
“There’s only one actor that can capture the comedic failures of Eric Adams,”
alongside a photo of Chappelle.
“There’s only one actor that can capture the comedic failures of Eric Adams,”
MAADY, Social Media User
Another user suggested comedian Tracy Morgan, a Brooklyn native like Adams, as a better fit for the role.
“I know a better choice,”
microplastics slime quest, Social Media User
Certain online comments also took a more critical tone, highlighting controversies from Adams’s tenure as mayor. One critic questioned the subject matter of any potential film, referencing Adams’s questionable actions during his time in office.
“What would the movie even be about? Free flights to turkey and smoking at hookah bars with influencers?”
Ked, Social Media User
Adams Reflects on His Tenure and His Successor’s Challenges
As discussions about his possible biopic circulate, Adams has shifted focus toward assessing the challenges faced by his successor, Mayor Zohran Mamdani. At just 34 years old, Mamdani is confronting the realities of governing a complex city, according to Adams. The former mayor expressed concern that Mamdani underestimated the difficulties involved in managing issues such as homelessness and public safety.
Adams explained,
“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.”
“So, he’s going to learn that the idealistic approach is not the realistic approach. Governing is real.”
Eric Adams, Former NYC Mayor
Potential Impact of the Proposed Film Role
The idea of Denzel Washington starring as Eric Adams carries significant cultural weight, considering Washington’s status in Hollywood and his roots in New York City. If such a project were to move forward, it could provide a nuanced examination of Adams’s political career, including both accomplishments and controversies, reflecting public tensions surrounding his leadership. It might also contribute to broader conversations about governance challenges faced by New York City’s mayoral office in recent years.
For now, though, the former mayor remains focused on critiquing current leadership rather than preparing for any screen role. With social media buzzing and public interest piqued, the concept of a film capturing Adams’s story may resurface as an intriguing cultural moment linked to both politics and entertainment.
Former NYC mayor Eric Adams wants Denzel Washington to play him in a movie 😅 pic.twitter.com/J535kozKDh
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 6, 2026
There’s only one actor that can capture the comedic failures of Eric Adams https://t.co/eScZrSwO5m pic.twitter.com/Degatw4gKC
— MAADY (@MaadyBK67) March 7, 2026
I know a better choice https://t.co/3bz6GDeJc1 pic.twitter.com/PNK4iQUypW
— microplastics slime quest 🧫 (@facetedcarapace) March 6, 2026
What would the movie even be about? Free flights to turkey and smoking at hookah bars with influencers?
— Ked (@KedNYC) March 7, 2026
