5 Major Projects Proving Kerry Washington Is More Than Just Olivia Pope In 2025

Contents

As of December 12, 2025, Kerry Washington is in the midst of one of the most transformative periods of her career, proving conclusively that her influence extends far beyond the iconic white hat of Olivia Pope. The Emmy-winning actress, producer, and director has successfully leveraged her star power into a formidable production empire, Simpson Street, while simultaneously starring in a slate of major upcoming films, including a highly anticipated mystery and a major action thriller.

This deep dive explores Washington’s current trajectory, detailing her most recent and upcoming projects for 2025 and beyond, from her role in a star-studded Netflix sequel to her impactful work as a storyteller championing diverse voices through her production company, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most powerful multi-hyphenates.

Kerry Washington: Complete Biography and Profile

Kerry Washington has built a career defined by powerful, complex roles and a commitment to activism, culminating in her current status as a major force both in front of and behind the camera. Her recent work, including her bestselling memoir and a packed film slate, continues to redefine her legacy.

  • Full Name: Kerry Marisa Washington.
  • Date of Birth: January 31, 1977.
  • Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York, U.S..
  • Education: Graduated from George Washington University (B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology).
  • Breakthrough Role: Olivia Pope on the ABC political thriller series Scandal (2012–2018).
  • Notable Film Roles: Della Bea Robinson in Ray (2004), Kay Amin in The Last King of Scotland (2006), Broomhilda von Shaft in Django Unchained (2012).
  • Accolades: Primetime Emmy Award winner (for producing), multiple Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
  • Production Company: Simpson Street (launched 2016).
  • Recent Literary Work: Bestselling memoir Thicker than Water (2023).
  • Current Status: Actress, producer, director, and activist.

The Simpson Street Empire: Producing and Directing for a New Era

Since launching Simpson Street in 2016, Kerry Washington has strategically pivoted her career to become a powerful creative executive, focusing on developing and producing content that champions diverse voices and compelling narratives. This move was not just a side project; it was a deliberate expansion of her influence across the industry.

A Major Studio Partnership and Content Expansion

Simpson Street currently holds an overall deal with ABC Studios and ABC Signature, ensuring a steady stream of broadcast, cable, and digital projects under the Disney umbrella. This partnership has allowed the company to rapidly expand its scope and topical authority in the content creation space.

The company's mission is clear: to redefine storytelling. They have already moved into the audio space, producing a range of scripted podcasts for platforms like Audible, further diversifying their media footprint. This focus on multi-platform content is a hallmark of modern production houses, and Washington is leading the charge.

The Bestselling Memoir: Thicker than Water

In 2023, Washington released her highly personal and critically acclaimed memoir, Thicker than Water, which instantly became a bestseller. The book offered fans and critics alike an unprecedented look into the typically private star's life, chronicling her journey from childhood to becoming a cultural icon.

The memoir’s success highlights Washington’s ability to connect with audiences not just through fictional characters, but through her own authentic narrative. This literary work serves as a foundational piece for her current career phase, signaling a new level of openness and creative control over her personal story.

Upcoming Blockbusters: From Whodunit to Action Thriller

The 2025 film slate for Kerry Washington is packed with high-profile, genre-defining roles that showcase her versatility as an actress. Her choices are calculated, placing her alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood and in major global franchises.

1. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)

One of the most anticipated films of 2025 is the third installment in Rian Johnson’s massively successful mystery franchise, *Knives Out*. Washington is set to join an all-star ensemble cast, including Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Mila Kunis, and Jeremy Renner, in *Wake Up Dead Man*.

The film, slated for a December 12, 2025, release, will see Washington immerse herself in the world of Benoit Blanc’s elaborate whodunits. This project is a major commercial undertaking and will place her back in the global spotlight, appealing to a massive audience hungry for more of the stylish, character-driven mysteries the series is known for.

2. Shadow Force (2025)

Moving from mystery to high-octane action, Washington is also set to star in the action-thriller *Shadow Force*, which premiered at the 2025 Atlanta Film Festival. Scheduled for a May 9, 2025, release, the film pairs her with actor Omar Epps in a story about a couple on the run from a rogue task force.

This project is significant as it sees Washington embracing a physically demanding, action-oriented role, a departure from her more politically charged or dramatic television work. It's a clear signal of her intent to diversify her on-screen portfolio and prove her capability as a leading action star.

Activism and Historical Storytelling: The Six Triple Eight

Beyond the major studio films, Washington remains deeply committed to projects that merge entertainment with social impact and historical education. Her work as an activist and producer is often intertwined, and this is perfectly exemplified in her recent work on *The Six Triple Eight*.

3. The Story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

Washington starred in and promoted *The Six Triple Eight*, a film directed by Tyler Perry about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. Washington was heavily involved in the press tour for the film in late 2024, highlighting its importance.

Her dedication to this project underscores her lifelong commitment to telling untold stories, particularly those focusing on Black female pioneers. The film is not just an acting role; it is an extension of her activism, using her platform to ensure critical pieces of history are not forgotten.

4. Teasing a New Desperate Housewives Series

In a surprising turn, Washington has also been teasing details about a potential new *Desperate Housewives* TV series, revealing light plot details about a new era and new challenges for the show. While details are still emerging, her involvement suggests a major television project is on the horizon, potentially as both a star and a producer through Simpson Street.

This potential series indicates that Washington is not leaving the television landscape behind, but rather looking for ways to reimagine successful formulas for a contemporary audience. It’s a smart business move that capitalizes on a known IP while allowing her to shape the narrative from a position of power.

The Legacy of a Multi-Hyphenate

Kerry Washington’s current career phase, particularly in 2025, is defined by strategic diversification. She is no longer solely an actress reacting to scripts; she is a creator proactively shaping the industry.

From the high-stakes ensemble of the *Knives Out* sequel to the historical importance of *The Six Triple Eight* and the powerful development work of Simpson Street, Washington is building a legacy that is both creatively fulfilling and commercially successful. Her ability to seamlessly transition between acting, producing, directing, and writing ensures her topical authority and relevance in Hollywood will only continue to grow in the years to come.

kerry washington
kerry washington

Detail Author:

  • Name : Thalia Pollich
  • Username : norma90
  • Email : christa.gusikowski@prosacco.com
  • Birthdate : 1971-12-08
  • Address : 2602 Dock Inlet Apt. 983 West Kari, NH 05806
  • Phone : (380) 569-1367
  • Company : Schiller and Sons
  • Job : Municipal Fire Fighter
  • Bio : Et quaerat necessitatibus quae et qui. Aperiam molestias et atque magnam nam. Sed sed voluptatem non.

Socials

linkedin:

facebook:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/krajcikh
  • username : krajcikh
  • bio : Id natus quia consectetur eius qui. Error ex omnis vel aut.
  • followers : 3083
  • following : 1044

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/krajcik2000
  • username : krajcik2000
  • bio : A dolore minus in delectus eveniet consequatur. Non ut velit accusamus tenetur impedit in. Harum quod qui tempora tempora.
  • followers : 4761
  • following : 2795