The Equalizer 4 & 5 In Development

There's no time for retirement: Denzel Washington is returning as ex-Marine Robert McCall to keep maintaining law and order in the future, as two new "The Equalizer" movies are currently in the pipeline!

This was revealed by Washington in an interview with Esquire. For some, this announcement may well come as a surprise. After all, many considered "The Equalizer 3" to be the final installment in the series. Nevertheless, the global box office takings of 190 million dollars on a production budget of around 70 million dollars prove that fans want more - and Washington is ready to do his part. Quote:

"People love those doggone Equalizers. They want me to go get the bad guys."

However, it is unclear whether the new movies will be directed by Antoine Fuqua again. In the past, he officially described "The Equalizer 3" as the conclusion of the franchise. There are no concrete details about "The Equalizer 4" and "The Equalizer 5" yet, but according to Washington's statements, it seems that work is well underway.

"The Equalizer": The Saga of a Modern Avenger

"The Equalizer" film series starring Denzel Washington has established itself as an integral part of modern action cinema since its premiere in 2014. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the series combines thrilling action, stylish directing and a profound character study of a man who alternates between calm and violence. Over the course of three movies, Robert McCall, an ex-Marine and former secret service agent, has become one of the most iconic characters of the genre.

The Beginning: "The Equalizer" (2014)

"The Equalizer" introduced the world of Robert McCall, a seemingly calm man who leads a reclusive life. McCall works in a hardware store, reads classic literature and spends his evenings in a diner. But his peaceful façade crumbles when he stands up for Teri (played by Chloë Grace Moretz), a young prostitute who is being brutally abused by the Russian mafia.

McCall's determination to help Teri unlocks his dark side: an exceptionally deadly fighter who uses his skills to combat injustice in the world. The movie features stylized action sequences, including the iconic scene in the hardware store where McCall takes out his opponents with improvised weapons. The mix of violence and moral responsibility made the movie a hit, earning over 192 million dollars worldwide.

Further Development: "The Equalizer 2" (2018)

Four years later, Denzel Washington returned in "The Equalizer 2", which had a special significance: it was the first sequel in Washington's amazing career. The movie delves deeper into McCall's character by shedding further light on his past and inner conflict.

Having established himself in Boston as a kind of silent avenger who stands up for the weak and oppressed, McCall is affected personally when his close friend and former colleague Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo) is murdered. Driven by revenge and the desire for justice, he sets out to find those responsible.

"The Equalizer 2" stands out with the introduction of "Equalizer Vision", an ability that allows McCall to analyze his surroundings in a split second and identify potential weapons and weak points of his opponents. These sequences added tactical depth to the action moments and emphasized McCall's intelligence and instinct. With global box office takings of 190 million dollars, the second part was likewise a success.

The Final Chapter? "The Equalizer 3" (2023)

The third film suggested that this could be Robert McCall's last appearance. In "The Equalizer 3", McCall has retreated to a picturesque Italian village to find peace. However, his peace is disturbed when he once again has to take on organized crime - this time in the form of the mafia, which threatens the lives of his new neighbors.

The breathtaking scenery of southern Italy contrasts with the dark action sequences, which continue to focus on McCall's capacity for violence. At the same time, he is portrayed in a more human way: a man scarred by his past and trying to find redemption.

The Fascination of "The Equalizer" Series

"The Equalizer" films are distinguished by their balance between brutal action and emotional depth. Robert McCall is not your typical action hero: he is a complex character who has been shaped by his experiences and never uses violence in a careless manner. His moral principles and his willingness to fight for the good make him a compelling character.

Then there's Antoine Fuqua's directing skills, which characterize the movies with an unmistakable style. From the atmospheric lighting to the choreographed fights, the movies are both raw and aesthetically sophisticated.