Screenwriter hired for The Equalizer 2 based on successful test screenings

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Now that's confidence!

Sony pictures has hired screenwriter Richard Wenk to pen a sequel to THE EQUALIZER, the new crime thriller starring Denzel Washington, which is based on the '80's TV show of the same name. Wenk wrote the script for the first film, which isn't set to debut until September. However, recent test screenings have prompted the studio to move quickly on a sequel as results have been exceptional.

From The Wrap:

“The Equalizer” has been testing through the roof, prompting Sony to move quickly on a sequel so the project has momentum by the time the first film hits theaters on Sept. 26. A mid-December test screening reportedly earned the highest scores for an R-rated movie in the studio’s history."

In the film, Washington plays "a former black ops commando who faked his death for a quiet life in Boston. He comes out of his retirement to rescue a young girl, Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), and finds himself face to face with Russian gangsters." Washington is expected to reprise his role as the titular character, although no deal is in place. It would be Washington's first-ever sequel role if it goes through. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN) co-stars Chloe Grace Moretz, Melissa Leo, Bill Pullman, Vladimir Kulich, and Marton Csokas. I've never seen the original show, but with Fuqua and Washington doing an R-rated action pic version of it, I'm certainly game to see what they come up with.

THE EQUALIZER is set to hit theaters on September 26, 2014.