John David Washington on ‘Malcolm & Marie’ and Zendaya

John David Washington has been one of the best talents of recent years. The 36-year-old actor appeared on the scene in a major way with Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman”, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor. With “Malcolm & Marie” he not only consolidates his placement in the Hollywood industry as one of our most gifted actors working today, but also takes on the responsibility of producer.

This year, Washington took the action genre with Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” and now marks its enduring year with a tense, career-better turn against Zendaya in Sam Levinson’s relationship drama. It was a turning point that put him at the heart of a very competitive Oscar race for Best Actor. If nominated, he would be the second black producer to be nominated for Best Actor and Best Picture, after his father, Denzel, when he was nominated for “Fences” in 2016. Washington would also be the youngest black producer. ever nominated, alongside Zendaya, who could also be the youngest producer in Oscar history.

Variety sat down for an exclusive first interview with John David Washington about the film and his filming experiences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also shares some of his inspirations, his favorite films and the filmmakers he’s dying to work with in the industry.

Why did you choose to do “Malcolm & Marie” at this stage of your career, in the midst of a pandemic?

John David Washington: On the one hand, I love to play. I love to write, but mostly because of the times we were in. I get this script and a call from Sam, and he starts reading me the dialogue between Malcolm and Marie for about 10 pages. I couldn’t believe it. These are beautiful words that I have heard, and at the same time very disturbing with visceral confrontations. I started to get anxious and nervous because I couldn’t hear any staging. I only get dialogue. So I heard all these words and I said, “I love it, but can I read it?” And Sam said, “No, not yet.” And he hangs up [laughs].

I just knew I had to do it. It was something I desperately needed artistically. I had all these feelings and anxiety, with this worry about my future. My usual outlet for these things is work. So it was perfect, and I said, “When do we start?”

How did it feel to film during a pandemic?

Washington: I felt comfortable. I felt safe. But I felt the urge to do this so much that I was willing to risk it. We were in the facility, on a ranch, which was this beautiful resort, with a lot of space. Each had their own cabin; we had to get tested before we got there. We have been tested when we got there. And then we tested a day before our arrival. No one was at the ranch except us. As long as no one left the facility, I felt safe.

Can you speak to the criticisms regarding the age difference between you, 36, and Zendaya, 24?

Washington: I was not worried because she East a woman. People are going to see in this movie how much of a woman she is. She has a lot more experience than me in the industry. I’ve only been in it for seven years. She’s been there longer, so I’m learning from her. I am the recruit. I relied on her a lot. Some of the stories she shared about what she had to go through with Twitter and all. I appreciated his wisdom and discernment in this area. I admire it. What I’m really excited people see when the movie comes out – they’re going to see how mature she is in this role. We’re talking versatility, and Sam and Zendaya have brought both.

What would you do if you weren’t an actor?

Washington: Maybe a psychiatrist. I was majoring in sociology and I liked it. Coaching or maybe teaching. It could still happen, by the way, you never know.

How did you feel working with Christopher Nolan on “Tenet”, which was released this year?

Washington: It was one of those times in my life where I couldn’t believe how my life was going. He’s one of the greatest of all time, and it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. It was surprising how down to earth he was. He operates on another level, just intellectually speaking, but he can shoot shit too. He loves all kinds of things and movies. So I loved every moment. He trusted me with the material and I am eternally grateful to him.

Is there one aspect of Malcolm that felt personal to you that you took from your own past relationships?

Washington: I can not understand the back and forth with the significant other. These are not my tactics. I don’t like confrontation, I like to use my words and be clear, and I don’t like to yell. I’ll say this, and I won’t go into detail because it’s too private. But there are several things that started it. A few moments where I found myself really lost in the emotion and where I was going. Some things started to brew that I was grateful to use but didn’t know they were in there, in my mind. And in some ways, it was therapy to get it out that way. I heard that word thrown out during these interviews and Q&A – “bad guy” – I heard it and said “not a bad guy”. I don’t think he’s a bad guy, but “it’s reception time” during the back and forth.

Can Zendaya make any good macaroni and cheese, which are featured in the movie?

Washington: Shout out to my man Jose who made the macaroni and cheese on the platter. I have to give him credit. I definitely threw up at the end of the day because I was really eat this stuff – a lot. I did like seven takes with full bowls, and as you can see. I am like an animal. I found myself dieting, trying to be sexy and cute. And I had to do a scene with my shirt on right after, with the sun coming up, and I said, “Come on Sam! I try to be sexy. Malcolm has abs. Help me, Sam. [laughs]

Favorite horror movie?

Washington: “Tales from the Hood.”

Who is the one actress you wish you could work with, but is no longer alive?

Washington: Audrey Hepburn.

What’s the movie that makes you laugh until you cry?

Washington: “Coming to America.” Everytime.

Which movie makes you “cry horribly”?

Washington: “Glory.”

Do you ever want to make a film?

Washington: Yes, but then no, because that would be terrible. I would like it to be on some level and then get discouraged. Writing [a movie], Yes.

If you had a time machine and could go back to any date in history, where would you go to visit?

Washington: The day my mother found out she was pregnant with me. I was like, “You could wait a few years, go on stage and do the musical that you were supposed to do.” I’ll be there and I swear I’ll be the same person. Go ahead and get that jump, my sister!

Which directors will you be dying to work with?

Washington: PTA. Paul Thomas Anderson, until the end. And Barry Jenkins, whose name appears in the film. I’m ready.