Denzel Washington to Star in ‘Equalizer' 4 and 5

I thought we were done with this franchise … Denzel Washington has revealed to Esquire that not one, but two ‘Equalizer’ sequels are on their way. So much for retirement.

“I told [Sony] I would do another Equalizer, and we’re doing four and five,” Washington tells Esquire. “I’ve come to realize that the Equalizer films are for me, too, because they’re for the people. They want me to go get the bad guys. ‘We can’t get them, so you go get them.’ And I say, Okay, I’ll get them! Just wait right there. I’ll be right back!”

In ‘The Equalizer’ movies, Washington plays Robert McCall, an ex-Marine and D.I.A. Officer, situated in Boston, working under the radar as a blue collar worker while also specializing in dealing with dangerous people. He’s got a particular set of skills.

Washington was recently misquoted in stating that he only had a handful of films left before he would retire. That is clearly not the case. He’s also been rumored to star in projects from filmmakers such as Steve McQueen, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Ryan Coogler.

Sony Pictures must be happy that Denzel isn’t done with “The Equalizer” franchise — the first movies racked up well over half a billion dollars worldwide, on mid-ranged budgets. I presume Antoine Fuqua will be back to direct chapters 4 and 5.

In the meantime, Washington is earning strong reviews for his supporting turn in “Gladiator II,” and he’s definitely the best part of that otherwise middling sequel. He’s also already shot Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest,” which is set to come out next summer.