Will Denzel Washington reprise his role as Robert McCall in The Equalizer 4, or has the character retired for good? Here's all the latest information.
Washington first portrayed McCall in the 2014 film The Equalizer, a modern remake of the '80s TV series directed by Antoine Fuqua. The story is set in contemporary Boston and follows the ex-Marine and DIA agent as he becomes involved in disrupting the Russian mob's sex trafficking operations, leading to a dangerous showdown with a deranged international enforcer.
After a highly successful first entry, The Equalizer received mixed reviews from critics but became a favorite among everyday moviegoers, grossing nearly $200 million and leading to a sequel in 2018. With The Equalizer 3 now topping Netflix charts as the "final chapter" in the series, fans are eager to know if there will be an Equalizer 4 and when it will be released.
Will The Equalizer 4 happen?
The Equalizer 4 hasn’t been confirmed, but it could happen – if certain conditions are met, or else it may take a different shape than you’re expecting.
Antoine Fuqua would consider directing a fourth movie, but only if Denzel Washington also reprises his role. Fuqua said, "I believe this would be it. We've both talked about it that way. But you never know." Denzel is currently in top shape, with Fuqua commenting, "He's training every day. If you saw him now, it would blow your mind. He's like 60 pounds lighter, even from The Equalizer. He's really healthy. Yeah, it's up to him. Obviously, if he wanted to do another one, I would as well, but I don't see it. But who knows?"
"What about a prequel featuring John David Washington or even Michael B. Jordan as a young McCall if The Equalizer 4 is not happening? I think it's a great idea to explore that and go back," Fuqua shared with JoBlo.
"Wouldn't that be incredible? It's a fantastic idea! How awesome would that be, man?"
Does The Equalizer 4 have a release date?
There’s no The Equalizer 4 release date – on account of it not existing.
With the 4/5-year gaps between the release of the previous movies, it seems that we will have to wait quite a bit for the next installment in the franchise, whether Washington returns as McCall or if it's a prequel. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
The Equalizer 4 cast: Who’d be in it?
The official cast details for The Equalizer 4 have not been released. If the film does come to fruition, fans can likely expect Denzel Washington to return as Robert McCall, unless the movie takes a different approach such as a prequel or focusing on a new character.
There’s also a potential crossover with The Equalizer TV show, featuring Queen Latifah in her big-screen debut as Robyn McCall. Although the characters are not currently related, the star has discussed the possibility of the two worlds colliding.
CBS
"It's really between D and Antoine. I have an immense amount of respect and love for him. His work with the films has been incredible, and I would be happy to connect with him on any level. It's just the way it is with us," she told Variety.
"Who knows what's going to happen? I'm looking forward to whatever he does, because I know when he's in the zone, he's in the zone. I'll keep playing TV's Robyn McCall and let him continue with the movie version; I know we will both continue to deliver."
The show’s creator Andrew Marlowe also mentioned to Decider that "we haven’t really discussed anything like that… we're here to create our own universe. Is it possible that there could be a crossover universe in the future? We haven’t completely ruled that out."
Nevertheless, the series has other concerns. "For us, it is truly about developing this show and its identity around Robyn McCall and creating a specific show where Queen is truly embodying the heart of it," he explained.
The Equalizer 4 plot: What would it be about?
We don’t have any official plot details for The Equalizer 4, but there’s a few ideas being kicked around online.
Spoiler warning for The Equalizer 3…
Sony Pictures
In the conclusion of the third film, McCall decides to retire from his vigilante lifestyle in southern Italy after successfully dismantling the mafia and bringing peace to the community. However, there is a looming threat as Syrian terrorists, previously involved in drug trafficking to fund their terrorism, are now left without a buyer. This unresolved storyline sets the stage for a potential fourth installment where the terrorists seek revenge on McCall by arriving in Italy.
He began a new friendship with Emma Collins (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of his former DIA colleagues, Susan and Bill Plummer. What if she needs his expertise for a case that demands his specific skills? Perhaps something unofficial and violent. Additionally, there is potential for a prequel that would delve into McCall's past as a Marine and his involvement in numerous confidential operations.
The Equalizer 3 is on Netflix now. Check out the rest of our coverage below:
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I'm thrilled about the possibility of a fourth installment in the Equalizer franchise. Denzel Washington's portrayal of Robert McCall is iconic, and I can't imagine anyone else in the role. The action sequences in the previous movies were top-notch, and I'm excited to see what Fuqua and Washington have in store for us this time around.
However, I'm also open to the idea of a prequel featuring a younger McCall. John David Washington or Michael B. Jordan would be excellent choices to take on the role, and it would be interesting to see how McCall's character developed over the years. A crossover with the Equalizer TV show would also be a lot of fun, and it would be great to see Queen Latifah's Robyn McCall interact with Denzel Washington's Robert McCall.