Will Denzel Washington reprise his role as Robert McCall for The Equalizer 4, or has the character bid adieu for good? Here’s the lowdown on what we know so far.
Washington stepped into the shoes of McCall in 2014’s The Equalizer, a reimagination of the ’80s classic series directed by Antoine Fuqua. Set in contemporary Boston, the film followed McCall, a former Marine and DIA agent, reluctantly drawn into thwarting a Russian mob’s sex trafficking network, leading to a showdown with an unhinged overseas enforcer.
The initial installment proved a massive hit despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. It garnered immense popularity among general audiences, raking in close to $200 million and laying the groundwork for a sequel in 2018.
With The Equalizer 3 marketed as the “final chapter” and currently holding the top spot on Netflix, fans may be wondering: Is there a possibility of The Equalizer 4, and if so, is there any news on its release date?
Will The Equalizer 4 Happen?
While the confirmation of The Equalizer 4 is still pending, there’s a possibility it might materialize under specific conditions; otherwise, it could take a different form than anticipated.
Antoine Fuqua has expressed openness to returning for a fourth installment, contingent upon Denzel Washington reprising his role. Speaking to Total Film, Fuqua stated, “I believe this would be it. We’ve both talked about it that way. But you never know.” He highlighted Washington’s current fitness and dedication to training, emphasizing that the decision ultimately rests with the acclaimed actor. Fuqua acknowledged that if Washington expressed interest, he would be on board, though he remains uncertain about the likelihood.
In the event that The Equalizer 4 doesn’t come to fruition, Fuqua proposed an alternative idea: a prequel featuring John David Washington portraying a young McCall or even the possibility of Michael B. Jordan taking on the role. Fuqua shared this concept with JoBlo, stating, “I think it’s a really good idea to do that and go back.” Enthusiastically supporting the notion, he exclaimed, “Wouldn’t that be amazing? That’s a good idea! How cool would that be, man?”
The Equalizer 4 Cast
Official details about the cast for The Equalizer 4 have yet to be disclosed. In the event of its confirmation, it is anticipated that Denzel Washington will reprise his role as Robert McCall, unless the movie takes a different direction, such as exploring a prequel or introducing a new character to carry the mantle.
Another potential scenario is a crossover with The Equalizer TV show, featuring Queen Latifah making her transition to the big screen as Robyn McCall. Although the characters are currently unrelated, Queen Latifah has expressed openness to the idea of the two worlds colliding. In an interview with Variety, she stated, “That’s up to D. It’s really between him and Antoine. Obviously, I love him to pieces. I have the greatest amount of respect for him. What he’s done with the films has been incredible, and I’d be more than happy to connect with him on any level.”
Despite the uncertainty, Queen Latifah looks forward to Denzel Washington’s future projects and expressed her willingness to continue portraying TV’s Robyn McCall while he takes on the movie version. Andrew Marlowe, the show’s creator, also acknowledged the possibility of a crossover universe but emphasized the current focus on building the TV show around Robyn McCall and Queen Latifah’s portrayal, stating, “For us, it really is about building this show and identity around Robyn McCall and being very specific to a show where Queen is really embodying the heart of it.”
The Equalizer 4 Plot
Official details about the plot of The Equalizer 4 are currently unavailable, but various speculative ideas have emerged online.
At the conclusion of the third movie, McCall decides to retire from his pursuit of vengeance and justice, finding solace in southern Italy where the mafia has been dismantled, and his assistance is no longer required. However, a potential storyline involves Syrian terrorists who had been selling drugs to the mob for terrorism funding. Now, without a buyer, they may seek revenge on McCall, setting the stage for a fourth movie on Italian shores.
Additionally, McCall forms a new connection with Emma Collins (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of his former DIA colleagues, Susan and Bill Plummer. There is speculation that a fourth movie could revolve around Emma seeking McCall’s help for a case that demands his unique skills – potentially an off-the-books and violent assignment.
Considering the prospect of a prequel, this opens up an entirely different aspect of McCall’s past. A prequel could delve into his time as a Marine or explore numerous confidential operations he undertook, offering a fresh perspective on the character’s backstory.
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