During last week's Empire podcast, Denzel Washington clarified that rumors of his early retirement were exaggerated. On the same podcast, he was asked by Chris Hewitt if he would consider reprising the role of Robert McCall, also known as The Equalizer, in future Equalizer films. Washington neither confirmed nor denied, but instead gave a five-second stare into the interviewer's eyes. In a surprising turn of events, Washington has now confirmed in an interview with Esquire that he not only could be tempted to play McCall again but will do so — twice!
Although the last two films in the Equalizer trilogy earned nearly $400 million at the box office, a performance that would typically guarantee more sequels, both Washington and director Antoine Fuqua originally intended The Equalizer 3 to serve as a farewell to McCall, allowing him to retire peacefully. However, as the iconic hero revealed to Esquire, Equalizer 4 and 5 are now in the works. Washington stated, "I informed them that I would do another Equalizer, and we are making four and five. More people are excited about this — they adore those Equalizer films. I've realized that the Equalizer films are also for me because they are for the audience. They want me to go after the villains. 'We can't catch them, so you go get them.' And I reply, Okay, I'll take care of it! Just wait right there. I'll be back soon!"
It is important to note that there has been no official confirmation from Fuqua or Sony regarding these upcoming Equalizer films. Therefore, the details of these films, including the cast and the director, are still unknown. Nevertheless, Denzel Washington, the star of The Equalizer franchise, has announced that The Equalizer 4 and The Equalizer 5 are in the pipeline. And if Denzel Washington says they are happening, who are we to doubt him? Exactly! So, The Equalizer 4 and 5 are on the horizon...