Denzel Washington Confirms The Equalizer 4 and 5 Are in the Works

As Denzel Washington continues what's been a thoroughly entertaining press tour for Gladiator II, he's also dropped a little bit of news in regards to another film series he's part of.

In a recent Esquire cover story, the actor revealed that he's set to star in at least two more movies in his The Equalizer series, which kicked off in 2014.

"I told them I would do another Equalizer, and we’re doing four and five," he told the outlet. "More people are happy about that — people love those daggone Equalizers."

At least two more The Equalizer films are in the works, Denzel Washington says.

People do, indeed, love those daggone Equalizers. The Equalizer 3 hit theaters last year and grossed $191 million worldwide, repeating the solid box office results of its predecessors. However, (The Equalizer 3 spoiler to follow) most fans assumed The Equalizer 3 would be the final film in the series, as it saw Washington's Robert McCall retired. But hey, you can always exit a retirement, after all.

What's currently unclear is if Antoine Fuqua, who directed all three Equalizer installments, will be returning. Previously, Fuqua said he's considered exploring AI technology to de-age Washington for some sort of Robert McCall origin story.

In the meantime, Washington continues to drum up Oscar buzz for his role as Macrinus in Gladiator II, which hits theaters this weekend. IGN's review called Washington "absolutely electric in the role," adding, "Macrinus is constantly calculating how to advance his cause, and whether Washington channels that through a whispered threat or a showy display of charisma, he owns every room and always says the right thing."

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.