The Equalizer Franchise: A Definitive Count Of All Denzel Washington Movies (Plus The Shocking Future Of Parts 4 And 5)

Contents

As of late , the official count of released *The Equalizer* movies starring Oscar-winner Denzel Washington is three. This trio of films—*The Equalizer* (2014), *The Equalizer 2* (2018), and *The Equalizer 3* (2023)—forms a highly successful, critically praised trilogy centered on the retired government assassin Robert McCall and his quest for vigilante justice. However, this number is about to change dramatically, as Washington himself has recently confirmed shocking plans for the franchise's future.

The "Equalizer" cinematic universe, directed by the visionary Antoine Fuqua, has proven to be one of the most consistent and profitable action franchises of the last decade, defying expectations with each new installment. While many assumed the third film would be the end of Robert McCall's journey, the latest updates from Denzel Washington suggest the true answer to "how many Equalizer movies are there" is far from final, with the potential for a total of five films in the series.

The Star and Auteur: Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua

The success of *The Equalizer* franchise is inseparable from its star and director, two entities who have cultivated a powerful topical authority in the action-thriller genre. Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua have collaborated on multiple acclaimed projects, including *Training Day*, *The Magnificent Seven*, and, of course, the entire *Equalizer* trilogy.

Denzel Washington: The Man Behind Robert McCall

  • Full Name: Denzel Hayes Washington Jr.
  • Born: December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York.
  • Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director, and ordained Pentecostal minister.
  • Spouse: Pauletta Washington (married 1983).
  • Career Highlights: Two-time Academy Award winner (Best Supporting Actor for *Glory*, Best Actor for *Training Day*). His extensive filmography includes *Malcolm X*, *Fences*, and *Man on Fire*.
  • Unique Equalizer Fact: *The Equalizer 2* (2018) was the very first time in his decades-long, prolific career that Denzel Washington starred in a sequel to one of his own films.

Antoine Fuqua: The Director's Profile

  • Born: 1966, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  • Occupation: Film Director and Producer.
  • Notable Works: Known for directing intense, character-driven action films such as *Training Day* (2001), *Shooter* (2007), *Olympus Has Fallen* (2013), and all three *Equalizer* movies.
  • Signature Style: Fuqua’s films often feature morally complex protagonists and highly stylized, grounded action sequences, which perfectly suit the character of Robert McCall.

The Released Trilogy: A Breakdown of the First Three Films

The "Equalizer" film series currently consists of three fully released movies, all starring Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a former Marine and DIA officer who uses his exceptional skills to help the oppressed and deliver swift, brutal justice.

  1. The Equalizer (2014): The film that launched the franchise. McCall lives a quiet life in Boston, working at a hardware store, until he intervenes to protect a young prostitute, Teri (played by Chloë Grace Moretz), from the Russian mafia. This is the origin story of his return to his vigilante ways.
  2. The Equalizer 2 (2018): The first sequel of Washington's career. This installment sees McCall working as a Lyft driver and taking on a personal mission of vengeance after a close friend and former colleague is murdered, forcing him to confront his past.
  3. The Equalizer 3 (2023): Initially marketed as the final chapter. McCall moves to Southern Italy to find peace but is drawn into a fight against the local Camorra organized crime syndicate. The film provides a satisfying, though seemingly final, conclusion to the trilogy.

The Equalizer Franchise Box Office Success

The trilogy has been a consistent financial powerhouse for Sony Pictures, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Robert McCall character and the star power of Denzel Washington. Each film was made on a modest budget (around $50–60 million) and consistently delivered strong returns globally.

  • Consistent Earnings: Each of the three films has grossed approximately $180–$190 million worldwide.
  • Record Opening: *The Equalizer 3* achieved a franchise-record opening, topping the global box office with an estimated $60.6 million in its debut weekend.
  • Sustained Appeal: The series’ sustained success is largely attributed to Washington’s continued appeal and the reliable action-thriller format.

The Shocking Future: Equalizer 4 and Equalizer 5 Confirmed

If you are asking "how many Equalizer movies are there" and expecting the answer to be three, you are in for a major update. Despite the seemingly definitive ending of the third movie, Denzel Washington has confirmed that the story of Robert McCall is not over.

In a recent interview, Washington revealed that he has agreed to return for not just one, but two more installments in the action-packed spy-thriller franchise: *The Equalizer 4* and *The Equalizer 5*.

This news has sent shockwaves through the fan community, as it means the franchise will ultimately consist of five films, a rare feat for a star of Washington's caliber and age. While there are no official release dates or plot details for either *Equalizer 4* or *Equalizer 5* yet, the confirmation of their development is the freshest and most crucial piece of information for fans of the series. The working assumption is that the new films will continue to explore McCall’s life after the events in Italy, perhaps taking him back to a more global stage or focusing on an even more personal mission.

The Wider Equalizer Universe: TV Series and The Original

To fully answer the question of the *Equalizer* franchise's size, it is essential to look beyond the Denzel Washington films and acknowledge the two television series that share the same DNA, providing a deeper topical authority for the IP.

The Original 1980s TV Series

The entire franchise is based on the original 1980s television series, *The Equalizer*, which aired from 1985 to 1989.

  • Star: The role of Robert McCall was originated by British actor Edward Woodward.
  • Premise: Woodward's McCall was also a retired intelligence agent who offered his services as a freelance troubleshooter—an "equalizer"—for people with nowhere else to turn.
  • Connection: The Denzel Washington films are a modern reboot of the core concept, though they differ significantly in tone and character background from the original show.

The Modern TV Reboot (Queen Latifah)

The *Equalizer* concept was rebooted for television again in 2021 with a new series on CBS.

  • Star: The reboot stars Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, a single mother and former CIA operative who uses her skills to help those in need.
  • Connection: While both the Queen Latifah series and the Denzel Washington movies are based on the same 1980s show, they are separate entities and are not connected in terms of plot or a shared cinematic universe.

In conclusion, while there are currently three released *Equalizer* movies starring Denzel Washington, the franchise is officially expanding to five films, with *The Equalizer 4* and *The Equalizer 5* confirmed to be in development. This makes the Denzel Washington *Equalizer* series one of the most enduring and successful action franchises of the modern era, with the final chapter—or chapters—still yet to be written.

The Equalizer Franchise: A Definitive Count of All Denzel Washington Movies (Plus the Shocking Future of Parts 4 and 5)
how many equalizer movies are there
how many equalizer movies are there

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Clarissa Windler
  • Username : ricky.ullrich
  • Email : borer.camylle@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 2002-07-28
  • Address : 605 Grant Ridge O'Keefemouth, FL 91833
  • Phone : +12812770602
  • Company : Fay-Cruickshank
  • Job : Umpire and Referee
  • Bio : Inventore molestiae voluptates id cupiditate dolorum dolor. Natus ut blanditiis consequatur est dignissimos recusandae. Repudiandae quibusdam totam facilis sint et commodi. Quam nobis aut voluptas.

Socials

tiktok:

facebook:

linkedin: