Stephen Amell Could Be Leading New NBC Show Suits: LA spinoff show, but viewers can expect some sneaky nods to some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Oscar winner Denzel Washington. Set to premiere on February 23, 2025, Suits: LA will see Amell take on the role of Ted Black, a former New York prosecutor who left his former life behind to lead a West Coast law firm specializing in the entertainment industry. More recently, it was also announced that the original Suits star Gabriel Macht would also return to reprise his role of Harvey Specter on a recurring basis.
Talking to Weekly entertainment, Amell explained how Suits: LA will also feature a sneaky appearance from Washington. How the Gladiator II star is among Ted Black's impressive list of A-list clients, a list that also includes the likes of Tom Hanks, Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio, Washington gave permission for his image to be used in a photographshowing him sitting courtside with Amell's character. Joking that while Washington has an open invitation to appear on the show in person, Amell also admitted that such a move might represent considerable overkill. Check out their comments below:
Denzel, open invitation [to cameo]you heard it here first… [Washington giving permission to use his likeness] It's a good sign, but I think [the jump from] photo for cameo is an exaggeration.
What Denzel Washington's Inclusion Means for Suits: LA
Denzel could be what Michael Jordan was to Harvey Specter
As a powerful law firm that represents some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, it's not surprising that series creator Aaron Korsch would look to pepper his new spinoff with recognizable names. While the show undoubtedly features its fair share of fictional celebrities, spread across references to real-world celebrities would be a much easier way to establish credibility and Ted Black status of Amell and his legal colleagues.
Furthermore, the inclusion of an actor as recognized as Washington also establishes a direct point of comparison with the original Suits. Macht's Harvey Specter is also known for representing a number of high-profile clients, including NBA legend Michael Jordan. It is possible that Washington's name could be used in Suits: LA in the same way that Harvey Specter often capitalized on his connection with Jordan throughout the original show.
Our Take on Washington Making a Personal Appearance on Suits LA
It would be more appropriate if he never appeared in person
As Amell points out, the leap of having Washington give permission to use his likeness for a cameo is a pretty significant leap, and the chances of him appearing in person remain low. Even with the extensive celebrity cameos featured in the original Suitswhich included the likes of Michael Phelps and Charles Barkley, the show never managed to include a personal appearance from Jordan, despite his status as Harvey's most valued client.
As such, it may be much more appropriate that the audience never see Washington appear, save for the photograph mentioned by Amell. Just as Macht never got to share the screen with his character's number one client, it seems particularly appropriate that Suits: LA only refers to Washington by name and through a photo that probably hangs in Ted Black's office.
Source: Weekly entertainment