Summary
The Equalizerbecomes a global hit on Netflix a decade after its release. Based on the 1980s TV series of the same title, the 2014 action thriller was directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Richard Wenk, following a former Marine and black ops operative who reluctantly comes out of retirement to protect a teenage trafficking victim from members of the Russian mafia. Denzel Washington leadsThe Equalizercastas Robert McCall alongside Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Bill Pullman, and Melissa Leo.
Now, a decade after its release, Washington’s action thriller has become a global hit onNetflix. For the week of July 1-7,The Equalizerranked eighth on Netflix’s Global Top 10 chart with 3.5 million viewsand 7.6 million hours viewed. It ranked below the 2021 animated movieMiraculous World: Shanghai, The Legend of LadyDragonand below the 2019 action thrillerThe Hard Way, with all three movies making their first appearance in the Top 10.
Why The Original Equalizer Is The Best In The Trilogy
It’s Acclaimed For Its Stylish Violence
After the success of theoriginalEqualizermovie, there were two sequels following Washington’s Robert McCall as he continues to seek justice for society’s marginalized and vulnerable individuals, both of which were directed by Fuqua and written by Wenk. However, as is generally the case with film series,the originalEqualizermovie is the best in the trilogy. Despite receiving mixed reviews overall, the first film was met with heaps of praise for its stylish violence, courtesy of Fuqua’s direction, and Washington’s commanding performance, though it was criticized for prioritizing violence over meaning.
Where To Watch The Equalizer Trilogy
Here is where to watch The Equalizer trilogy at home, including 2023’s The Equalizer 3 and rental options for all three Robert McCall films.
The Equalizer 2, released in 2018, sees McCall set out on a path of revenge after one of his friends is murdered. Despite offering the standard excitement of a typical vigilante thriller,the sequel ultimately fell short of expectations, acting as a case study in diminishing returns. After the original movie earned a 61% Rotten Tomatoes score, the sequel dropped to 52%, considered Rotten by the review aggregator.The Equalizer 2, like its predecessor, grossed around $190 million at the box office, leading to another sequel.
The Equalizer 2is streaming on Hulu.
Could The Equalizer 4 Ever Happen?
There’s Potential For Another Entry In The Series
While the first movie is the best entry in the existing trilogy,the success of the third installment leaves room open for an additional entryif Washington and Fuqua decide to return. While it’s unclear if many fromThe Equalizer 3’s castwould be open to return, another action-packed thriller about McCall’s life could make for an exciting continuation. However, a sequel would also diminish the definitive ending of the latest movie, risking the series ending on a disappointing note instead of its current, satisfying finale.
While another entry inThe Equalizerfilm series would be interesting, the success of the original trilogy shows why McCall’s story shouldn’t continue.
However, Fuqua has previously expressed interest in making another movie in the franchise, pitching the idea ofThe Equalizerprequelabout McCall’s life before retirement.This pitch included using de-aging technology on Washingtonto make him look younger for the role. This would be the perfect way to continue the series without stretching out the story of the original three entries. It would also give the sequel a different feel from the rest of the franchise as its core hero takes on important missions for the US government.
Why An Equalizer Prequel Would Work Better Than A Sequel
The Success Of The Trilogy Speaks For Itself
While another entry inThe Equalizerfilm serieswould be interesting,the success of the original trilogy shows why McCall’s story shouldn’t continue forward.Although a prequel would be the perfect option to flesh out his past, the financial success of the series coupled with the first and third entries' popularity on Netflix show why the story is perfect the way it is. Washington’s commanding presence coupled with him saving everyday people are what makes the trilogy so exciting. But continuing it could disrupt his most recent happy ending.
However, a prequel would be the perfect way to continue because it can shake up the series' formula without jeopardizing the story of the trilogy. Its different take on McCall could even lead to it becoming just as much a success asThe Equalizer’s first movie, at the box office and on streaming. But whether the franchise continues to evolve following Washington’s trilogy or not, the first movie’s continued success shows just how much interest there is in the character and his exploits.
The Equalizer
Cast
The Equalizer is an action thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua starring Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a former intelligence operative who lives a quiet life in Boston. When he encounters a young girl named Teri, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, threatened by violent Russian gangsters, McCall comes out of retirement to use his skills to restore justice. The film reimagines the 1980s TV series of the same name.
