The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington, Moretz, Leo, Pullman
07-23-12 | 09:42 PM
#1
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DVD Talk God
The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington, Moretz, Leo, Pullman
http://www.deadline.com/2012/07/sony...the-equalizer/
The hot project on the Sony Pictures lot right now is The Equalizer, after a script by Richard Wenk prompted the studio to expedite Denzel Washington’s deal and set an April 8 start date, likely in Boston. Washington was attached when this was mentioned as a development project last year as the studio extended by three years its first look deal with Escape Artists partners Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch. It has come a long way since then.
Washington’s deal is being closed right now and I’m told he’ll be getting his customary $20 million price, but that this is a smartly budget thriller that will come in around $50 million and is designed to launch the first franchise for the actor. Now, directors are lining up for the job. I’ve heard names on the studio’s list that include Pierre Morel, Nicolas Winding Refn, Gavin O’Connor and Gareth Evans. Insiders tell me that the studio is just now setting meetings and that there will be a bunch of them before a director is set.
The film is loosely based on the TV series that starred Edward Woodward as a mysterious former covert operations officer who helps people in trouble, and was created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. The film has that basic premise but takes off in its own way, tailored to Washington’s skills. He’ll play a solitary, monastic figure who hates injustice and devotes himself to helping people who are being victimized. The film is being produced by Black, Blumenthal, Tisch, Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld, Michael Sloan, Tony Eldridge. David Bloomfield is exec producer. Washington is repped by WME, Wenk by Gersh and Richard Arlook.
There was an old thread from 2 years ago that had Russell Crowe reportedly attached. But now that Denzel has signed on officially, I didn't want to bump that thread. They start filming April 2013, so this could come out Fall or Winter 2013 at the earliest.
The hot project on the Sony Pictures lot right now is The Equalizer, after a script by Richard Wenk prompted the studio to expedite Denzel Washington’s deal and set an April 8 start date, likely in Boston. Washington was attached when this was mentioned as a development project last year as the studio extended by three years its first look deal with Escape Artists partners Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch. It has come a long way since then.
Washington’s deal is being closed right now and I’m told he’ll be getting his customary $20 million price, but that this is a smartly budget thriller that will come in around $50 million and is designed to launch the first franchise for the actor. Now, directors are lining up for the job. I’ve heard names on the studio’s list that include Pierre Morel, Nicolas Winding Refn, Gavin O’Connor and Gareth Evans. Insiders tell me that the studio is just now setting meetings and that there will be a bunch of them before a director is set.
The film is loosely based on the TV series that starred Edward Woodward as a mysterious former covert operations officer who helps people in trouble, and was created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. The film has that basic premise but takes off in its own way, tailored to Washington’s skills. He’ll play a solitary, monastic figure who hates injustice and devotes himself to helping people who are being victimized. The film is being produced by Black, Blumenthal, Tisch, Alex Siskin, Mace Neufeld, Michael Sloan, Tony Eldridge. David Bloomfield is exec producer. Washington is repped by WME, Wenk by Gersh and Richard Arlook.
There was an old thread from 2 years ago that had Russell Crowe reportedly attached. But now that Denzel has signed on officially, I didn't want to bump that thread. They start filming April 2013, so this could come out Fall or Winter 2013 at the earliest.
07-23-12 | 09:50 PM
#2
DVD Talk Hero
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
I like Denzel a lot but his sort of cool is not at all like Edward Woodward's sort of cool. The latter was more relaxed and Denzel always has a touch of manic in him, even when subdued. Should prove interesting if done right.
07-23-12 | 10:03 PM
#3
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From: Sitting on a beach, earning 20%
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
Denzel is still too young for this, but come on, Man on Fire was excellent and if Washington can bring half that to this character, I'm sold. I've always loved the character of The Equalizer.
The real news to me is that Gareth Evans is being considered for these features. I'm glad to see that The Raid opened doors for him.
The real news to me is that Gareth Evans is being considered for these features. I'm glad to see that The Raid opened doors for him.
07-24-12 | 12:20 AM
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DVD Talk Hero
07-24-12 | 12:29 AM
#6
DVD Talk Legend
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
I really can't get excited about a Denzel Washington movie any longer. He's made a lot of average films as of late and his performances, while never bad, just seem so one note.
07-24-12 | 03:21 AM
#7
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
Eh, kind of lame, Russell Crowe would have made a better choice. And Denzel probably made a better version of this in Man on Fire.
07-24-12 | 05:43 AM
#8
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
No Jason Statham, no sale.
Last edited by Ash Ketchum; 07-24-12 at 11:42 AM.
07-24-12 | 01:31 PM
#12
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DVD Talk God
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
Even though Denzel is pushing 60, he's still a box office draw domestically and internationally.
It seem like they want to make multiple Equalizer films as well.
07-24-12 | 02:24 PM
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From: Somewhere between Heaven and Hell
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
07-24-12 | 02:39 PM
#15
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DVD Talk God
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
If the old thread was something more generic like..."The Equalizer being developed as a feature film" Then I would have bumped it. If something already existed that didn't have a dated title, I would 100% bump it.
Now that Denzel signed on, it seemed like a good idea to make it a little more official with his name in thread title.
07-24-12 | 02:39 PM
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07-24-12 | 02:48 PM
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From: Formerly known as "Solid Snake PAC"/Denton, Tx
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
The only thing I've against bumping a thread is in the case that it was pointless to do so. Like some fucks around here do at times.
07-24-12 | 02:50 PM
#18
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DVD Talk God
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
Okay I think we're getting way off topic here with the nit picking.
Out of the directors listed in the original story, I'd like to see Sony consider Pierre Morel.
Of course, they will probably play it safe and sign Tony Scott.
I saw that the script was being written by Richard Wenk and his credits include The Mechanic, 16 Blocks and Expendables 2.
Out of the directors listed in the original story, I'd like to see Sony consider Pierre Morel.
Of course, they will probably play it safe and sign Tony Scott.I saw that the script was being written by Richard Wenk and his credits include The Mechanic, 16 Blocks and Expendables 2.
Last edited by DJariya; 07-24-12 at 03:00 PM.
07-24-12 | 03:12 PM
#19
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
But whatever, so long as a new movie means a complete release of the original TV show, I'll be good even if the movie sucks.
12-07-12 | 02:48 PM
#20
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DVD Talk God
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
http://www.deadline.com/2012/12/nico...-negotiations/
Nicolas Winding Refn has been chosen to direct the movie.
Production is supposed to begin in late Spring.
Nicolas Winding Refn has been chosen to direct the movie.
Production is supposed to begin in late Spring.
12-07-12 | 04:50 PM
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re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
I just searched this thread up to post that. Didn't see you bump it earlier.
Color me officially stoked. Refn and Denzel? This will be terrific.
Color me officially stoked. Refn and Denzel? This will be terrific.
12-07-12 | 06:53 PM
#22
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
Solid Snake just came in his pants...
I am a little excited as well.
I am a little excited as well.
12-07-12 | 09:01 PM
#23
DVD Talk Hero
re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
What I liked best about The Equalizer was that Woodward played him with a deep-seated anger, which would erupt into a cold fury when he confronted the villain of the week. When he nailed it, the hairs on the back of my neck would stand up. Too bad the plots were pretty much dumb television fare.
My fear is that the movie would give us recycled 1980s television without the genuine chills. And I suppose lots of green screen action sequences to pad it out to 140 minutes.
My fear is that the movie would give us recycled 1980s television without the genuine chills. And I suppose lots of green screen action sequences to pad it out to 140 minutes.
12-08-12 | 09:00 AM
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12-08-12 | 04:47 PM
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re: The Equalizer (2014, Fuqua) S: Washington
I don't know if Denzel is right for this as much as I like him. I think an actor who projects that world weary, haggard look is needed, as well as the sophistication and refinement that Edward Woodward projected. Clive Owen would be fine but he is too young. Liam Neeson maybe but it is too much like everything else he has done lately. But then, it does not have to be clone of the original. Looking forward to it.
By the way where is the rest of the series on DVD?
By the way where is the rest of the series on DVD?