The Equalizer 4 with Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning (2024)

The Equalizer is a 2014 American vigilante action film directed by Antoine Fuqua. The film focuses on a former U.S. Marine turned DIA intelligence officer who reluctantly returns to action to protect a teenage prostitute from members of the Russian mafia. it became a commercial success with a worldwide gross of over $192 million on a production budget of $55–73 million.

There have been talks about The Equalizer 4 and teases that it could happen, but Denzel Washington’s return is unlikely based on the updates.

Custom Image by Stephen Barker

The latest update on The Equalizer 4 essentially confirms Denzel Washington will not return as Robert McCall after The Equalizer 3. The third installment in the action franchise was promoted as being the final time audiences would see Denzel and director Antoine Fuqua work together in this series. However, the movie’s critical acclaim and box office success has once again prompted speculation that the franchise could continue. Discussions about how The Equalizer 4 could happen with Denzel Washington returning to the lead role have lingered, and Fuqua’s update on the movie puts the star in a powerful position.

Even before any details like The Equalizer 4‘s story could be sorted, Fuqua addressed the possibility of the sequel happening while doing press for The Equalizer 3. The director reiterated the stance that The Equalizer 3 was envisioned as the end of the franchise but also confirmed he’d be willing to make another if Denzel was on board. The comments indicate that Denzel Washington is the one who will have a significant say in whether The Equalizer 4 happens. That might leave some with greater hope that the actor will cash in on another massive paycheck and return.

WATCH THE EQUALIZER 3 ON NETFLIX

The Equalizer 3 Director Antoine Fuqua On Collaborating With Denzel WashingtonDenzel Washington Already Confirmed He Won’t Return After The Equalizer 3

The Actor Said That It Might Not Be The End Of The Franchise, But It’s The End For Him

If the cards really are in Denzel Washington’s hands, The Equalizer 4 will not happen or at least see him return. Before the latest entry was released and strikes began that prevented him from promoting the movie, Denzel Washington talked about his future as Robert McCall during an interview with ET. He specifically stated:

This is the end for me. It may not be the end, they may do another one, but it’s the end for me.

That provides insight into Denzel’s thoughts about doing The Equalizer 4. Unless he eventually changes his mind significantly, audiences should be prepared for The Equalizer 3‘s ending to be the last time they see Denzel as Robert McCall.

There is always a chance that Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua come up with a story that makes them both excited to return for a fourth entry, but that is seemingly the only way The Equalizer 4 would happen with its star. In the same interview, the actor even noted that a massive check would not be enough to lure him back. Denzel Washington’s The Equalizer salary for each movie is substantial, so if he is not motivated to return for financial reasons and also believes the franchise has run its course creatively, there is no chance Washington will return.

Denzel Washington made $20 million per Equalizer movie.

How Old Denzel Washington Was In Each Equalizer Movie

Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall in The Equalizer franchise, which contains three released films. How old was the actor during each movie?How The Equalizer Franchise Can Continue Without Denzel Washington

Dakota Fanning’s Emma Collins Could Lead A Spinoff

Custom Image by SR Image Editor

Denzel Washington not wanting to make Equalizer 4 does not have to mean that the franchise is over. There are ways for the series to continue without its most recent star. One such possibility is spinoffs focused on Dakota Fanning’s Emma Collins, who could use her position at the DIA to help people in need. It might mean a reduced action capacity for the franchise going forward, but that does not make this narrative redirection less appealing. It also leaves the door open for Denzel to return in a cameo.

Another possibility for The Equalizer franchise’s future is prequel movies. Fuqua has mentioned that this idea has been discussed but with de-aging Denzel Washington. The Equalizer prequel could recast Robert McCall in this scenario, possibly with Denzel’s real-life son John David Washington, to give the franchise a new lead. Either of these options are intriguing avenues for the series to explore that do not require Denzel Washington to return for The Equalizer 4.