The Equalizer 4: Everything we know

Here’s everything we know about a potential fourth Equalizer movie, which could act as Denzel Washington’s last outing as Robert McCall.

Set in modern-day Boston, The Equalizer, a reboot of the famed ’80s series, follows former Marine and DIA agent Robert McCall as he reluctantly puts a stop to a Russian mob’s sex trafficking ring, which puts him in the sights of its psychotic overseas enforcer.

The first entry was a tremendous success, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. It still raked in about $200 million at the box office, which led to its action-packed sequel debuting in 2018.

The Equalizer 3 is the “final chapter” in the series and has since been a hit on Netflix, so some fans may be wondering: is there going to be an Equalizer 4, and is there a release date? Here’s what we know.

Will The Equalizer 4 happen?

According to director Antoine Fuqua, The Equalizer 4 is unlikely to happen.

Sony Pictures

Fuqa told Digital Spy “I would say no. I think this is it.” This carries on from Denzel Washington‘s comments at CinemaCon 2023, stating [via ET] “This is the end for me. It may not be the end, they may do another one, but it’s the end for me.”

However, Antoine Fuqua has previously said he’d consider returning for a fourth movie, but only if Denzel Washington would reprise his role. “I believe this would be it. We’ve both talked about it that way. But you never know,” he told Total Film.

“Listen, Denzel’s in shape. 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?”

Even if The Equalizer 4 doesn’t go ahead, it may well exist in another form.

“If The Equalizer 4 is off the table, how about this: a prequel with John David Washington playing a young McCall, or perhaps even Michael B. Jordan? I think it’s a really good idea to do that, and go back,” Fuqua also told JoBlo.

“Wouldn’t that be amazing? That’s a good idea! How cool would that be, man?”

Does The Equalizer 4 have a release date?

The Equalizer 4 doesn’t have a release date as there are currently no plans for it.

Given the 4/5-year gaps between the rest of the movies, we’ll likely be waiting a while on another installment in the franchise, regardless if Washington is back as McCall or if it’s a prequel.

We’ll keep this space updated with any new information.

The Equalizer 4 cast: Who’d be in it?

We don’t have any official cast details for The Equalizer 4, which is dependent on whether the movie is a direct sequel or a spinoff.

CBS

If it does happen, we’d expect Denzel Washington to reprise his role as Robert McCall, unless it’s a prequel or another character altogether carrying the mantle.

There’s another vague possibility: a crossover of some form with The Equalizer TV show, with Queen Latifah making her big-screen debut as Robyn McCall. The characters aren’t related – at least right now – but the star has spoken about the chances of the two worlds colliding.

“That’s up to D. It’s really between him and Antoine. Obviously, I love him to pieces. I have the greatest amount of respect for him. What he’s done with the films has been incredible, and I’d be more than happy to connect with him on any level. It’s just kind of like that with us,” she told Variety.

“So, who knows what’s gonna happen? Who knows what could happen, but, I’m looking forward to whatever he’s gonna do, because I know when he gets in the zone, it gets in the zone. I’m gonna keep doing TV’s Robyn McCall and let him keep rocking the movie version of McCall; I know we’ll both continue to deliver.”

The show’s creator Andrew Marlowe also told Decider that “it’s not anything that we’ve really talked about… we are here creating our own universe. Is there a potential that there could be a crossover universe in the future? We certainly haven’t ruled that out.”

However, the series has different priorities. “For us it really is about building this show and identity around Robyn McCall and being very specific to a show where Queen is really embodying the heart of it,” he added.

The Equalizer 4 plot: What would it be about?

We don’t have any official plot details for The Equalizer 4, a prequel looking at McCall’s time as a marine has been rumored.

The third movie ends with McCall retiring from his life of vengeance and justice in southern Italy. The mafia has been dismantled, and nobody needs his help – he’s at peace.

However, part of the story concerns Syrian terrorists who’ve been selling drugs to the mob to fund their terrorism – and now they don’t have a buyer, and one has to imagine they’ll be a bit annoyed. So, a fourth movie could see them arrive on Italian shores to get revenge on McCall.

He also struck up a new friendship with Emma Collins (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of Susan and Bill Plummer, his former DIA colleagues. What if she needs his help with a case that requires his particular set of skills? Something off-books, something violent.

And then there’s the possibility of a prequel, which opens up a whole other side of McCall’s past — we could see his time as a Marine, or any one of hundreds if not thousands of confidential operations.

That’s everything we know about The Equalizer 4. Find out more about the cast, its box office figures, and how to stream the franchise, alongside our review of The Equalizer 3. Equally (sorry), check out even more movies to stream this month.