American Gangster

Washington plays gangster Frank Lucas in the biographical crime drama American Gangster, opposite actor Russell Crowe. Set in the 70’s, the film tells the story of Lucas and how he became one of the biggest heroin dealers in New York. It also covers detective Richie Roberts, the man in charge of bringing Lucas down. The film is produced and directed by Ridley Scott. On portraying mob boss Frank Lucas:

It’s acting, first of all. And just because I play certain parts like that, doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t play other parts. Like people were shocked when I did Training Day. But that was one of the easiest roles for me.