Surprising Omission: The Real Reason Two Beloved Characters Didn't Return in The Equalizer 3

Summary

The Equalizer 3 did not bring back original characters because it was always intended to have separate storylines.

The focus of The Equalizer 2 revolved around the DIA and perilous assassins, posing a challenge to reintroduce characters like Ralphie and Alina.

The inclusion of fresh characters, particularly Emma Collins-Plummer, generated a sense of anticipation while ensuring a link to Robert's former allies.

Director Antoine Fuqua explains the absence of two original movie characters in The Equalizer 3. The trilogy began in 2014, following the journey of retired DIA officer Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) as he took on the Russian mafia who had exploited a teenager. In the latest installment, Robert discovers that his new friends face threats from the Italian mafia and decides to confront the criminal organization alone. The Equalizer 3 also features Dakota Fanning, Eugenio Mastrandrea, David Denman, and Remo Girone. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Fuqua clarified that the decision not to bring back supporting characters such as Ralphie (Johnny Skourtis) or Alina (Chloë Grace Moretz) was intentional, as the movie aimed to explore separate storylines.

Should The Equalizer 3 Have Brought Back Original Characters?

In The Equalizer 2, Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo) and her husband Brian (Bill Pullman) returned from the original film, having worked with Robert in the DIA. Their appearance in the sequel was logical considering their relationship with Robert. However, characters like Ralphie, Alina, Dave York (Pedro Pascal), and Miles Whittaker (Ashton Sanders) only featured in the first installment. The introduction of new characters in The Equalizer 3, including Emma Collins-Plummer portrayed by Fanning, created excitement among fans due to the reunion with Washington from the movie Man on Fire.

In the first sequel, the movie centered more around the DIA, with Robert facing a team of dangerous assassins responsible for Susan's death. Due to the majority of The Equalizer 3 being set in Italy and following a different storyline, it would have been challenging to bring back Ralphie and Alina. The last known information about them was that Robert had saved both of them, and Alina expressed her plans of finding employment.

Although it is interesting to speculate about Ralphie and Alina's current endeavors, it appears that their narratives reach a conclusion in the initial film. Fuqua's remarks further indicate that he has no plans to reintroduce these characters. Despite introducing fresh characters in the latest installment, Emma holds a tie to one of Robert's previous acquaintances, sparking a subtle mentor-mentee dynamic that harkens back to the origins of the character in some capacity. While Robert encounters new foes, The Equalizer 3 culminates in a satisfying manner for his storyline, as he seemingly finds contentment in his new residence.