(Exclusive) Equalizer Prequel: Antoine Fuqua thinks John David Washington would be a cool young Robert McCall

Denzel Washington’s time as Robert McCall in The Equalizer franchise is ending, but that’s not keeping Antoine Fuqua from thinking about other ways to explore the storied character. Some badasses are too enduring for retirement, but why not move back if you can’t move forward? I’m talking about an Equalizer prequel. After all, who wouldn’t be game to see McCall in his prime, dispatching criminals and dismantling syndicates with precision and style? Speaking with Antoine Fuqua about The Equalizer 3, we touched on the concept of an Equalizer prequel and who would play the character in an early display of bold moves and badassery.

When we asked Fuqua what he thought about developing an Equalizer prequel, he agreed it would be an idea worth exploring.

“I think it’s a really good idea to do that, and go back,” Fuqua said. “You can get Michael B. Jordan or somebody to be the young McCall.”

To which JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray then suggested, “Why not John David [Washington]?”

“Even better, right,” Fuqua replied. “Wouldn’t that be amazing?” After a brief pause, Fuqua added, “That’s a good idea! How cool would that be, man?”

On Wednesday, NME printed a story about Fuqua toying with the idea of de-aging Denzel Washington for an Equalizer origin story. Using Harrison Ford’s de-aging in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny as an example, Fuqua spoke about being in awe of today’s technological advances for de-aging effects, saying, “Especially now with the new technology and the AI and all of that kind of stuff… Is there a story to be told about how [McCall] became this person — the younger version?” Fuqua told NME. “I’ve had that conversation with Richard Wenk [Equalizer series screenwriter] quite a bit.”

That said, Fuqua has yet to run the idea past Denzel Washington, who would ultimately be the one wearing the face-capture technology. “It’s all so fresh and new,” Fuqua said. “I’m still watching [the technology]. I’ve watched Harrison Ford’s film and I know there’s other movies coming out… And I’m hearing the technology is getting better and better and better. So I’m kind of watching it to see where it goes.”

Is hiring another actor to play McCall in an Equalizer sequel the better approach? Would John David Washington be the perfect choice, or do you have someone else in mind? Sound off in the comments below, and let us know what you think about John David Washington starring as a young Robert McCall for an Equalizer prequel.