The Equalizer 4 Update All But Guarantees Denzel Washington's Return Won't Happen (2025)

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 Washington 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 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 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.

Denzel 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's Upcoming Movies

How The Equalizer Franchise Can Continue Without Denzel Washington

Dakota Fanning's Emma Collins Could Lead A Spinoff

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 Washington. The Equalizer prequel could recast Robert McCall in this scenario, possibly with Washington's real-life son John David Washington, to give the franchise a new lead. Both options are an intriguing avenue for the series to explore that does not require Denzel Washington to return for The Equalizer 4.

The Equalizer TV Show Could Tie Into The Movies

Could Queen Latifah's Robyn McCall Head To The Big Screen?

While The Equalizer movies have been popular, another aspect of the franchise has simultaneously been earning its own popularity despite no involvement from Denzel Washington. The Equalizer TV series debuted in 2021, in between the releases of The Equalizer 2 and The Equalizer 3. Like the movies, the show is based on the 1980s series The Equalizer. The show stars Queen Latifah as former CIA operative Robyn McCall, who helps out people who have nowhere else to turn.

Despite the show not having any direct connection to the movies and being far less violent, it remains popular as it enters its fifth season. With Washington apparently moving on from the movies, there is a chance the show could now tie into the movies in some exciting ways. Likely the best way to do this is by having Dakota Fanning's Emma Collins cross paths with Robyn.

While this is an exciting idea, it also presents some continuity issues that would have to be dealt with. The fact that Robyn McCall and Robert McCall are both CIA operatives working similar missions and sharing such similar names would be a lot to overlook. While there is the option of revealing them to be related, it would still be a little silly that they both happened to follow the exact same paths as vigilantes without it ever coming up. However, if audiences can get past that, there is a chance Robyn McCall could appear in The Equalizer 4.

The Equalizer

The Equalizer is a crime-focused action-thriller franchise initially created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. The franchise began with the 1985 series that followed Robert McCall, a retired intelligence agent who uses his deadly and varied skillset to help those that society cannot save. The film franchise has stood out as the most iconic, with Denzel Washington in the role of the new Robert McCall, with a reboot television series starring Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall.

Created by

Michael Sloan , Richard Lindheim

First Film

The Equalizer (2014)

First TV Show

The Equalizer

Cast

Denzel Washington , Edward Woodward , Queen Latifah

Character(s)

Robert McCall , Robyn McCall