Why Denzel Washington finally broke his rule against starring in film sequels
In short: For decades, Denzel Washington avoided sequels, but he returned to the role of Robert McCall in 2018. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the vigilante thriller The Equalizer 2 follows a retired DIA officer seeking vengeance. It marked a significant milestone in Washington's career, proving that even the most selective stars eventually revisit their characters.
The Equalizer 2, released in July 2018, represents the first time Denzel Washington reprised a role in a sequel. The project was officially announced in April 2015, following discussions that began just seven months after the 2014 original premiered. Washington’s return was contingent on audience interest and his own creative satisfaction, with director Antoine Fuqua noting the character’s potential for international expansion. This film served as the fourth collaboration between the two, following their work on Training Day, the first Equalizer, and The Magnificent Seven.
The narrative follows Robert McCall, a Marine Corps veteran and retired DIA officer, as he navigates a personal vendetta after the murder of his close friend and colleague, Susan Plummer. The plot takes McCall from his quiet life in Boston to a climactic showdown in a hurricane-swept seaside town. Along the way, he mentors a troubled teenager named Miles Whittaker, who finds artistic purpose under McCall's guidance. The production utilized various Massachusetts locations, including Lynn, Duxbury, and Canton, to ground the high-stakes action.
Commercially, the film was a success, grossing $190.4 million worldwide against a production budget of $62 million. Despite mixed critical reception—holding a 52% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—audiences were more receptive, awarding it an 'A' grade via CinemaScore. The film's performance solidified the franchise's viability, leading to the release of The Equalizer 3 in 2023. While some critics viewed the sequel as a case of diminishing returns, the project remains a notable entry in the modern vigilante genre, blending visceral action with themes of mentorship and retribution.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Equalizer 2
- Also: Wikidata — The Equalizer 2 · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — The Equalizer 2 · CC0
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