“The Equalizer 3” is an Unofficial Sequel + New Clip Showcases Robert McCall’sSofter Side to Violence [VIDEO]

Director Antoine Fuqua sheds light on the connection between “The Equalizer 3” and “Man on Fire” as Denzel Washington reprises his role as Robert McCall. In a recent interview with ComicBook, Fuqua discussed how the upcoming third installment in the “Equalizer” trilogy serves as an unofficial sequel to the 2004 film “Man on Fire,” directed by Tony Scott.

“Though we never talked about it collectively, I’ve thought about it that way,” Fuqua shared. “When Dakota [Fanning] said she was interested, I thought, ‘Ah yeah! This is Man on Fire but years later – and this is what he’s doing.’ But I never said that to them because they’re just in the characters of ‘Equalizer 3’ in those moments. But when you see them together, man – when I saw them on set – it was just like… just smiling – I was just like ‘Yeah…’.”

READ: Denzel Washington Bids Farewell to Robert McCall WithEqualizer 3 [FIRST LOOK + NEW TRAILER]

In “Man on Fire,” Denzel Washington portrays John Creasy, a bodyguard entrusted with the protection of a young girl named Lupita “Pita” Ramos, played by Dakota Fanning. Set in Mexico City, the film follows Creasy as he embarks on a mission to rescue Pita after she is kidnapped.

After a two-decade hiatus from sharing the screen, Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning reunite in a casual scene within the trailer for “The Equalizer 3.” Fanning’s character, Emma Collins, takes on a role that remains shrouded in mystery, yet the film’s marketing hints at her involvement as a government agent collaborating with Washington’s McCall to combat a new wave of adversaries.

“Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) has struggled to reconcile the horrific things he’s done in the past and finds a strange solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed,” reads the official synopsis of “The Equalizer 3.” “Finding himself surprisingly at home in Southern Italy, he discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become his friends’ protector by taking on the mafia.”

A new clip from “The Equalizer 3” showcases a different aspect of McCall’s character. In the clip, McCall confronts members of the Sicilian Mafia using a unique approach. Rather than resorting to his usual brutal tactics, McCall employs a softer yet equally effective method involving a compression move on the median nerve. This scene underscores McCall’s determination to safeguard the local residents of Italy from the influence of the Mafia, highlighting his commitment to his newfound home and allies.

Scheduled for release in the United States on September 1, 2023, “The Equalizer 3” promises a blend of action, intrigue, and a deeper exploration of Robert McCall’s character as he navigates a world of violence and moral complexity. As Denzel Washington once again takes on the role of the enigmatic McCall, fans can anticipate a thrilling cinematic experience that pays homage to his iconic roles while charting new territory in the “Equalizer” universe.