Exclusive: Training Day Prequel: Director Drops Major Update 22 Years in the Making

Summary

Director Antoine Fuqua states that a Training Day prequel is unlikely to happen, as it would require Denzel Washington's participation.

Fuqua contends that a Training Day prequel without Washington at the helm would undoubtedly lose its allure and fail to capture the electrifying essence of his portrayal.

With the passage of time, the enthusiasm surrounding a Training Day prequel seems to have dwindled, rendering the prospect of its realization after a span of more than twenty years increasingly improbable.

According to a recent update from director Antoine Fuqua, the idea of a Training Day prequel is no longer feasible. The crime drama, originally released in 2001, is known for Denzel Washington's iconic performance and has fostered a long-standing creative collaboration between him and Fuqua. The duo has worked together on The Equalizer series, including the most recent installment, The Equalizer 3.

Regrettably, the possibility of a Training Day prequel now rests on Washington's involvement, which would have been more plausible "when he was closer to that age," as stated by Fuqua in an interview with Digital Spy.

"The idea of a prequel for Training Day was once intriguing, particularly if it could have featured Denzel Washington in his younger days. It would have been captivating to see what he accomplished in Vegas. However, I believe the film wouldn't have the same impact without his involvement."

"I'm uncertain. The concept of good triumphing over evil remains constant, regardless of the circumstances. Regardless of the allure evil may possess, making the right choices persists. Nevertheless, the world has undergone changes."

The History Of Training Day’s Proposed Prequel Explained

Fuqua's commentary might disappoint audiences who were anticipating a Training Day prequel based on a previous announcement. In 2019, Warner Bros. was reportedly discussing the development of a prequel for Training Day, with Pawn Sacrifice writer Nick Yarboruogh slated to write the script. At that time, Fuqua had not been involved in the project, nor had another director been chosen for the Training Day prequel.

The prequel would have explored the life of Alonzo Harris, the main character, ten years prior to the events depicted in the original Training Day film. Even in 2019, it was unlikely that Denzel Washington would reprise his role as Alonzo, as significant de-aging CGI would be required. Additionally, no actors had been officially cast in the project. Rumors circulated that Washington's son, John David Washington, might play a younger version of Alonzo, but no confirmation ever materialized.

Fuqua's recent update appears to be the final blow for any possibility of a Training Day prequel. Although Fuqua may have a biased opinion regarding the necessity of Washington's involvement in a Training Day-based film, his argument about the diminishing interest in a prequel is valid. Training Day held tremendous significance for Washington over twenty years ago, and those intrigued by Alonzo's story may have been open to exploring it further. Unfortunately, at this point, a Training Day prequel would be far too delayed, arriving 22 years after the original.