Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Robert McCall as a vigilante with a moral compass has resonated remarkably well with audiences, which is probably why there’s no end in sight for “The Equalizer” series. According to Esquire, Washington dropped a bombshell, revealing that not just one but two new Equalizer films are in development—meaning we’ll be seeing “The Equalizer 4” and “The Equalizer 5” in the foreseeable future. For those keeping track, that’s two more opportunities to revel in McCall’s righteous retribution against nefarious foes. Washington’s own words illustrate why the films connect with audiences: “I told them I would do another Equalizer, and we’re doing four and five. More people are happy about that—people love those daggone Equalizers. But I’ve come to realize that the Equalizer films are for me, too, because they’re for the people. They want me to go get the bad guys. ‘We can’t get them, so you go get them.’ And I say, Okay, I’ll get them! Just wait right there. I’ll be right back!”
While “The Equalizer 3” seemed to provide a final respite for McCall, peacefully retired in Italy, franchise director Antoine Fuqua has expressed interest in continuing the series if Washington was willing to reprise his role. Given Washington’s enthusiastic participation, it seems likely Fuqua will take up directing duties again, staying true to the franchise’s gritty, action-packed narrative. Financial figures from the franchise affirm its consistent commercial success. “The Equalizer 3” boasts a remarkable 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, grossing $191 million worldwide against a $70 million budget. With the fourth and fifth installments likely continuing this trend, there’s no doubt the franchise remains a lucrative venture.
However, despite developments, don’t go marking your calendars just yet. Washington currently has a packed schedule, including upcoming collaborations with Fuqua on a Hannibal project, a role in the anticipated “Black Panther 3,” and engaging in Shakespearean adaptations like “Othello” and “King Lear.” These commitments could delay the timeline for “The Equalizer 4,” meaning fans might be in for a bit of a wait. With Washington nearing 70, his portrayal of McCall should still hold gravitas, even if the physicality involved might change. Previous musings by Fuqua about de-aging technology for prequel content remind us of the exorbitant costs and potential pitfalls by the less-than-seamless tech we saw in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
Closing Credits
The possibility of two new entries in the “Equalizer” series raises some intriguing questions about how McCall’s character will evolve, especially as Washington himself ages. Yet, it also underscores his timeless charisma, which remains at the core of the franchise’s appeal. Whether the subsequent films will continue to compete with previous box office performances or venture into new thematic territory remains to be seen. For now, though, audiences can relish in the anticipation that comes with the prospect of Washington’s McCall—articulate, strategic, and just a tad older—returning to action.
Source: Esquire
