Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Headline Broadway Revival of Othello

"Driven by wicked jealousy, Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful."

The stars are set to swap the screen for a Shakespearean script as Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal headline a Broadway revival of Othello! Directed by the acclaimed Kenny Leon and slated for spring 2025, this highly anticipated production will see Washington taking on the role of the titular Moorish general, while Gyllenhaal steps into the shoes of the infamous villain Iago. Joining Washington and Gyllenhaal will be rising West End star Molly Osborne in the role of Desdemona!

What Is Othello About?

Othello tells the tragic story of a Moorish general named Othello, his secret marriage to Desdemona, and the trials of their love set by Othello's ensign, Iago. Driven by wicked jealousy, Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful to another officer, fueling doubts that lead to a heartbreaking chain of events with tragic consequences for all involved.

The last Broadway production of Othello was in 1982, with James Earl Jones and Christopher Plummer leading the cast. It had a starry Sam Gold-directed revival at New York Theatre Workshop, featuring Daniel Oyelowo and Daniel Craig.

Aside from their illustrious film and television careers, both Gyllenhaal and Washington are no strangers to the stage. Tony Award winner Washington has appeared in productions including Fences, A Raisin in the Sun, Julius Caesar, Coriolanus, and Richard III. This marks Academy Award winner Gyllenhaal's first New York stage encounter with the Bard, though his other theatre credits include If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet, Constellations, Little Shop of Horrors, Sea Wall/A Life, and Gutenberg! The Musical!