Denzel Washington | Source: Getty Images

Denzel Washington Spotted on Set of Netflix's 'Here Comes the Flood' Sporting New Gray Hair Look

Nov 18, 2025

07:48 A.M.

Fans can't get enough of the silver screen heartthrob, as many are not only swooning over his gray hair but also his walk and swagger.

He's still got it — and then some. On different days this month (November 2025), Hollywood icon Denzel Washington was spotted in New Jersey, rocking a new gray hair look.

Photos of the actor show him on the set of his upcoming Netflix movie "Here Comes the Flood." The film also stars fellow A-listers Robert Pattinson and Daisy Edgar-Jones.

Washington's salt-and-pepper hair wasn't the only thing turning heads — the Oscar winner exuded effortless sophistication in a tailored gray and black ensemble, and dark-rimmed glasses in one instance.

The actor's close-cropped silver cut, seen under the crisp autumn sun, added to the timeless aura that has sent fans online into a frenzy.

In another photo, Washington sported a long gray coat, matching pants, and a silver shirt, which complemented his hair perfectly.

His presence on set was commanding, with one shot capturing him walking out of a building with steely confidence, perfectly in character for the high-stakes heist movie. Also spotted nearby was co-star Pattinson, dressed sharply in a wine-colored suit in one scene.

Following the release of the on-set photos, social media erupted with admiration for Washington's striking transformation. Many fans zeroed in on his new hair color, with one expressing, "That silver hair just gave me a 'feeling,'" while another added, "The hair color compliments [sic] him."

Echoing that sentiment, someone else swooned, "That gray is everything on him🥰," and another admirer gushed, "That salt and pepper hair makes you look so [...] handsome 😍."

Several others couldn't help but highlight his timeless charm and signature demeanor. "Looking good as always.👌🏾 It's the walk for me too," one person praised. "Still fine And [sic] that walk, oh that walk," said another.

A fellow fan fondly observed, "That bow leg of his..will [sic] forever be sexy! Hey Mr. Washington!😚," while someone else enthused, "That signature walk mi [sic] just love it."

Others were captivated by the full package — style, stride, and sophistication. "And looking very sharp. I'm loving the silver in the hair and the glasses sets [sic] it all off perfectly," noted one admirer. Another made a comparison, remarking, "He lookin [sic] like Obama once he finished his presidency."

Still, amid the praise, there were those who expressed surprise at the visual shift. "I'm not used to Denzel with gray hair," admitted one commenter.

As buzz around Washington's silver-haired transformation continues to swirl online, so too does anticipation for his next big-screen endeavor, "Here Comes the Flood." The Netflix-backed crime thriller's plot centers on a deadly triangle between a bank guard, a teller, and a master thief — and promises a twisting tale of cons and double crosses told through a non-linear lens.

The film, currently in production in New Jersey, boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Danai Gurira ("Black Panther"), Sean Harris ("Mission: Impossible"), Moisés Arias ("Monos"), and Justin Kirk ("Succession").

Behind the camera is celebrated director Fernando Meirelles, best known for his Oscar-nominated work on "City of God" and another popular movie, "The Two Popes."

He reunites here with Netflix to helm the feature, working from an original screenplay penned by "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" writer Simon Kinberg, who also produces alongside Audrey Chon under the Genre Films banner.

"Here Comes the Flood" has had a lengthy journey to the screen. Netflix first secured the project in 2020 through a high-profile, seven-figure bidding war during the height of the streaming wars — a time when big-budget gambles were common currency in Hollywood.

Initially, Jason Bateman was attached to direct a version of the film, but that deal never materialized. Years later, the script has finally attracted an A-list lineup and a director with a proven track record in suspense-driven drama.

While "Here Comes the Flood" continues to generate excitement for its gripping storyline and powerhouse cast, Washington's recent on-set appearance has reminded fans of another defining trait — his signature style.

From bold and youthful, black-colored cuts in the 1980s to a clean-shaven look in recent years, the actor's hair evolution has become something of a visual timeline in itself.

With his new gray look drawing renewed attention, it's the perfect moment to revisit some of his most iconic hair transformations through the decades. Here are some photos of different hairstyles Denzel Washington has rocked over the years:

1981

Denzel Washington stands alongside actor George Segal at a "Carbon Copy" screening in New York City. Washington's close-cropped hair and pencil mustache highlight his fresh-faced charisma during his film debut era.

1982

Denzel Washington poses in a powder blue polo during his early career. Sporting a low/small afro and clean-shaven look, this portrait captures the rising star's charm while filming "St. Elsewhere."

1985

On the set of "St. Elsewhere," Denzel Washington smiles in his role as Dr. Philip Chandler. His youthful appearance and neat, natural hairstyle reflect the actor's early days in network television drama.

1987

Denzel Washington exudes confidence in a white tank and gold chain in this portrait. With shortly styled hair and a mustache, his hair is sharp and polished — a style that became one of his most recognizable early looks.

1990

Denzel Washington beams in the press room after winning a Golden Globe for "Glory." His trimmed, black hair and mustache mirror the composed, classic style that defined his performance.

1992

Denzel Washington attends the AFI Life Achievement Awards honoring Sidney Poitier with his wife Pauletta Washington. Wearing a tux and rocking his signature mustache, the actor keeps his hair neatly tapered for the elegant event.

1995

At ShoWest, Denzel Washington opts for a bold, clean-lined look. His short, natural curls are paired with a statement tan trench and buttoned-up shirt, giving him a refined yet contemporary presence.

1997

Denzel Washington accepts the "Actor of the Year" award at the ShoWest Awards. With a neatly edged-up cut and trimmed goatee, the actor's grooming matched his rising stature as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.

2000

Denzel Washington smiles while holding his NAACP Image Award for "The Hurricane." His defined goatee and mid-length haircut present a matured, polished version of the actor as he enters a new phase of acclaim.

2003

At the premiere of "Out of Time" in New York, Denzel Washington steps out with Pauletta Washington. Wearing a leather jacket over a crewneck, he sports a short fade with soft curls, reflecting his early 2000s style.

2005

At the opening night party for "Julius Caesar" on Broadway, Denzel Washington sports a clean-cut look and sharply edged fade, paired with a gray suit and striped tie — a modern take for his commanding role in the Shakespearean revival.

2007

Denzel Washington smiles at the premiere of "The Great Debaters" in Hollywood. With a defined hairline and soft curls, his style is relaxed yet refined, complementing his understated black wool coat and jeans.

2010

During an interview on "The Tonight Show," Denzel Washington appears in a fitted black tee, wearing his hair short and naturally wavy. His style is casual but polished, reflecting his confidence during a string of box-office successes.

2013

On the "Today" show, Denzel Washington shows off a clean-shaven head and neatly groomed appearance. Wearing a blue button-down, his cut marks a bold departure from his signature styles of the past.

2015

Backstage at "Hamilton," Denzel Washington sports a casual look with a curved brim Yankees cap. His mustache and rugged and slight beard stand out beneath the cap, giving off an effortlessly cool, off-duty vibe.

2017

At a screening of "Roman J. Israel, Esq.," Denzel Washington rocks a short, texturized cut. His hair pairs well with a navy polo and black blazer — an understated style for the legal drama's press.

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2021

On the red carpet for "The Tragedy of Macbeth," Denzel Washington wears a sleek tux alongside Pauletta Washington. He rocks short, dark hair as he stands poised at the event.

2023

Denzel Washington accepts the Film Icon Award at the Grio Awards. His black hair is slightly trimmed and coily. Dressed in a black suit, his mature, distinguished look mirrors the honor he received that evening.

2024

Posing with Zoë Kravitz at Lenny Kravitz’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, Denzel Washington wears a sporty Adidas tracksuit and dark t-shirt. His cropped hairstyle blends casual comfort with iconic cool.

2025

At the "Highest 2 Lowest" special screening in L.A., Denzel Washington debuts a nearly bald head. Wearing a simple black tee, the actor's clean look underscores his effortless presence and the quiet power he continues to carry onscreen.

Denzel Washington steps out in Newark while filming "Here Comes the Flood." Sporting sleek gray hair, oversized glasses, and a sharp gray coat, his mature look instantly captivated fans as he strolled confidently on set.

On set in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Denzel Washington is seen with a cropped silver hairstyle and monochrome wardrobe. The scene sparked buzz online, with fans praising his striking gray hair and effortlessly cool, seasoned presence.