Denzel Washington offered career-shaping advice to Michael B. Jordan. In a recent cover story, Jordan revealed that Washington warned him about the dangers of overexposure, urging him to stay offline to preserve his value as a movie star. The insight reveals how Jordan has navigated fame while keeping his personal life guarded.
Denzel Washington asked Michael B. Jordan to not ‘overexpose’ himself
Michael B. Jordan revealed that Denzel Washington once advised him to limit his public visibility. Washington told him, “Why would they pay to see you on a weekend if they see you all week for free?” The warning was about overexposure, urging Jordan to stay off social media and let demand build naturally.
Jordan shared this advice during a New York Magazine cover interview, explaining why he avoids personal press and social platforms like TikTok and X. Although he has an Instagram account with 25 million followers, he rarely posts outside of promotional campaigns. “Sharing as little of himself as possible creates a demand,” the actor said.
Washington directed Jordan in A Journal for Jordan and remains one of his key inspirations. Jordan, once uncertain about his future in acting, gained momentum after meeting Ryan Coogler in 2013. Their collaboration began with Fruitvale Station and continued with Creed, Black Panther, and Sinners, which grossed over $350 million worldwide.
Coogler believed in Jordan’s star potential early on. “He told me he thought I was a movie star,” Jordan said. “He wanted to show the rest of the world that.” In Sinners, Jordan plays twin brothers in 1930s Mississippi, offering what Vanity Fair called “arguably his finest work.” Nearly 47% of opening weekend viewers cited Jordan as the reason they bought tickets.
Jordan has since launched his own production company, Outlier Society, and directed Creed III, which earned $276 million. His upcoming projects include I Am Legend 2, Rainbow Six, and a reboot of The Thomas Crown Affair. “I’m at the right time,” he said of stepping into roles with greater creative control and long-term planning.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.net.
