The Ultimate Showdown: The Equalizer 3 Director Explains the Epic Potential of a John Wick Crossover!
Two iconic action heroes from The Equalizer and John Wick worlds may seem incompatible, but the director of The Equalizer 3 shares insights on how a crossover between the characters could surprisingly harmonize
Warning: The article contains major spoilers for The Equalizer 3.
Summary
Director Antoine Fuqua finds the idea of a collaboration between John Wick and The Equalizer exciting, given the distinct combat skills possessed by each protagonist.
John Wick longs for retirement in order to break free from the influence of the High Table, whereas McCall's comeback is motivated by his quest for righteousness and fairness.
Both The Equalizer 3 and John Wick: Chapter 4 conclude the heroes' journeys, making it challenging to create a crossover unless a prequel is made or the endings are compromised.
Antoine Fuqua, director of The Equalizer 3, believes that a crossover with John Wick presents an ideal opportunity. The Equalizer movies focus on Robert McCall, a former government agent who frequently emerges from retirement to protect individuals from various injustices. McCall shares many similarities with the protagonist of the John Wick movies, who tirelessly strives to break free from the control of the clandestine High Table. Both characters star in action franchises where they regularly face off against entire organizations.
During an interview with CBR, Fuqua was asked about his preference for a crossover involving John Wick, Bryan Mills from Taken, and John McClane from Die Hard. He expressed his enthusiasm for the idea of combining his franchise with Wick's. After The Equalizer 3, Fuqua envisions these characters collaborating and showcasing their unique combat skills together. Fuqua's response can be seen below:
"That's a fascinating question. I believe it would be incredibly enjoyable with John Wick. They possess distinct qualities. If McCall requires weapons or firearms, I would entrust that task to John. As for intense close-quarters combat, McCall would excel. Their styles are truly distinct."
Could John Wick And Robert McCall Coexist?
John Wick's most compelling aspect is his longing for retirement. Having experienced a brief period of respite, he realizes that the life of an assassin is no longer sustainable. Thus, he exhaustively works towards dismantling the High Table to attain his freedom. Meanwhile, McCall's motives differ from Wick's. His recent reappearance is a response to gentrification and his yearning for a fair and egalitarian society. Though retirement is also present in McCall's aspirations (which he eventually achieves), he is more susceptible to being drawn away from tranquility compared to the eternally discontent Wick.
The two characters share some similarities. Both heroes strive to leave their past lives behind, but circumstances beyond their control force them back into action. However, McCall embodies a more selfless force, whereas Wick's rare acts of kindness are rooted in his tragic history. While Wick is not inherently malevolent, his reasons for returning to the field are unlikely to align with McCall's. Wick seeks freedom, while McCall seeks justice, thus exemplifying their divergent motivations for engaging in combat.
The stories of their heroes, McCall and Wick, come to an end in The Equalizer 3 and John Wick: Chapter 4. McCall finds his retirement, while Wick meets his demise. If a crossover were to occur, they could potentially coexist, but it would present a narrative challenge. Presently, their stories are concluded, enhancing the quality of the films. Even if Wick were to return for John Wick: Chapter 5, it would require McCall to abandon his retirement, undermining the impactful conclusion of The Equalizer 3. Unless a prequel film is made, a crossover is unlikely to ever take place.
