Denzel Washington in ‘The Equalizer 2’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
Preview:
Denzel Washington says he’ll appear in two more ‘Equalizer’ movies.
Director Antoine Fuqua has yet to be confirmed.
The apparent movies don’t yet have release dates.
Denzel Washington is busy enjoying the acclaim that his scene-stealing (and, at times, movie-stealing) performance in ‘Gladiator II’ is generating, and he’s also been out and about promoting the movie.
He’s certainly generating headlines with some of his statements, including revealing that Ryan Coogler is writing a role for him in a future ‘Black Panther’ movie (albeit one we don’t even know formally exists yet).
And he’s not done –– in a recent interview he also dropped word that he’ll be back for more ‘Equalizer’ movies.
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Of course, we have to caution here that Washington is having a lot of fun on the press tour and proclaiming that he only has a few movies left (at least as an actor) before he retires. And Sony has yet to say anything official about a potential return to the ‘Equalizer’ films.
Washington stars as Robert McCall, a former special service commando who faked his own death in hopes of living out a quiet life.
Instead, he comes out of his self-imposed retirement to save a young girl and finds his desire for justice reawakened after coming face-to-face with members of a brutal Russian gang. McCall becomes the go-to man when the helpless require the kind of vengeance they would never find without his skills.
Across the next two movies, he faces off against more threats, including the Mafia.
Denzel Washington on the future of the ‘Equalizer’ franchise
Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) watches Vincent crawl down his stairs in Columbia Pictures ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
“I told them I would do another ‘Equalizer,’ and we’re doing four and five. More people are happy about that –– people love those daggone ‘Equalizers.’ But 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!”
The movies have certainly been successful, but now we’ll wait and see what Fuqua and the studio have to say.
When would the next ‘Equalizer’ be in theaters?
While Washington is certainly someone who should know about the future of the ‘Equalizer’ franchise since he’s, you know, the Equalizer himself, the lack of confirmation means we couldn’t even guess at when one potential new movie would arrive, let alone two.
Denzel Washington in ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
Director Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington on the set of ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo by: Stefano Cristiiano Montesi.
Preview:
Denzel Washington is attached to star in a new film about Hannibal.
It’ll see him re-team with ‘Equalizer’ director Antoine Fuqua.
Netflix is behind the new movie.
With the SAG-AFTRA strike now over (at least pending a vote of the membership), various companies are looking to attach actors to new projects and start generating some buzz around them.
One example is Netflix, which has a new historical epic in the works about Carthaginian general Hannibal, and the streaming service has Denzel Washington in line to star.
Per Deadline, the new movie would mark a reunion for the actor with director Antoine Fuqua, the two used to collaborating on various projects.
What Would the New Hannibal Movie Cover?
Denzel Washington in ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
For those who don’t know the history, Hannibal came over the Alps and attacked Rome from the North, at the time posing the greatest threat to the republic. He was a skilled military tactician who led the troops in what is now Tunisia, not far from Sicily.
His victories during the Second Punic War are legend, and this version of the film will follow the pivotal battles Hannibal led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.
Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall in Columbia Pictures ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo by: Stefano Montesi.
This is actually not the first time that Washington has been linked to a Hannibal project. Back in 2002, inspired by the success of ‘Gladiator’, 20th Century Fox (as it was then named) developed a Hannibal film and looked to attach Washington to play the famous leader.
At the time, Washington passed on the idea, since it would’ve meant too much time away from his family. But now, with his kids (including actor John David Washington), well established in life, he’s free to spend his time riding elephants and battling Romans.
He may still have competition though –– Vin Diesel has long been obsessed with Hannibal and has wanted to develop a movie about him to star in for almost as long.
Netflix’s version has John Logan –– who wrote ‘Gladiator’ –– aboard to craft the script, so it’s clear the company is looking to go all in on this one. And talking of that Ridley Scott-directed historical epic, Washington is heading back to work on the sequel, which Scott was busy making before the strike hit. ‘Gladiator 2’, depending on how quickly it can be finished, may still arrive in 2024.
What Have Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua Worked on Together?
(L to R) Denzel Washington and director Antoine Fuqua and on the set of ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Cristiiano Montesi.
If it all comes to pass, the Hannibal film will mark the sixth time that Washington and Fuqua have collaborated.
They previously teamed for 2001’s ‘Training Day’, for which Washington won a Lead Actor Oscar. That was followed by the first ‘Equalizer’ movie in 2014 and then 2016’s Western remake ‘The Magnificent Seven’.
The last time we saw Robert McCall was in ‘The Equalizer 2,’ facing off against former DIA colleagues Dave York (Pedro Pascal), Kovak, Ari, and Resnik in the midst of a hurricane. McCall realized that he could have walked down the same path of crime but instead chose forgiveness. In the most recent film, Robert McCall has moved to Southern Italy in an attempt to leave his past behind.
Where Can I Watch ‘The Equalizer 3’?
Denzel Washington in ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
‘The Equalizer 3’ was released domestically on September 1, 2023, and is available in standard formats as well as in IMAX. Currently, the movie is still playing in theaters if you want a chance to experience it on the big screen. ‘The Equalizer 3’ has a total runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes
Watch the official trailer for ‘The Equalizer 3’ below:
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The movie was released on digital on October 6 and is available for purchase for $24.99 or rent for $19.99 on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube, and Google Play. No date has been released as to when the movie will arrive on streaming.
Fans can also look forward to 4K UHD, Blu-Ray, and DVD release for the film. While no dates have been announced for the Blu-Ray/DVD release, retailers such as Best Buy and Amazon have the movie listed for pre-order. There will be a steelbook edition as a Best Buy exclusive. Bonus features for the physical release include:
Blood Brothers – The collaboration of Denzel Washington and Antoine Fuqua.
Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall in Columbia Pictures ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo by: Stefano Montesi.
Although the movie was just released on September 1st, it is already available on digital. Timed with the digital release, the first ten minutes of the film is available for free on IGN’s website. Opening on a Sicilian vineyard, where McCall has already left a path of dead henchmen along the path of the driveway and inside the building. As Lorenzo Vitale ventures inside, he finds Robert sitting calmly on a chair at gunpoint.
“You took something that didn’t belong to you, I’m here to take it back,” McCall says before he hops into action, effortlessly taking down everyone in the room. Critics and audiences reacted positively to the film, garnering it a 75% critics score and a 94% audience score.
Denzel Washington in ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
“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. 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.”
Who Is In The Cast of ‘The Equalizer 3’?
Emma (Dakota Fanning) reports to Frank what is happening in Italy in Columbia Pictures ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
To watch our exclusive interview with Antoine Fuqua, as well as interviews with Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning about ‘The Equalizer 3,’ please click on the video player below.
Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) moves to Southern Italy to escape from his past, but later discovers that his new friends are under the control of the Sicilian Mafia. With the help of a young CIA agent (Dakota Fanning), Robert unleashes his past self to protect his new friends.
Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall in Columbia Pictures ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo by: Stefano Montesi.
Against all odds ‘The Equalizer’ franchise has become one of the most reliable action series in cinema, right up there with the ‘John Wick’ movies, and the third chapter does not disappoint. Director Antoine Fuqua adds a new tone by taking Robert McCall’s story to Italy, which breathes fresh life into the franchise without ever betraying the spirit of the popular protagonist. Denzel Washington has truly created one of his most memorable characters with McCall, and has unforgettable onscreen chemistry with co-star Dakota Fanning, reuniting with the actress for the first time since their work on the 2004 now-classic ‘Man on Fire.’
Story and Direction
(L to R) Denzel Washington and Director Antoine Fuqua between takes while filming in the Amalfi Coast on the set of Columbia Pictures ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo by: Stefano Montesi.
The original ‘The Equalizer’ loosely adapted the 80’s TV series by introducing us to Robert McCall (Denzel Washington), a retired CIA operative trying to live a quiet life in Boston. When outside forces threaten the small community he has created, McCall strikes back raining fire and vengeance down upon them. By the end of the first film, McCall has decided to put his skills to use helping those that can’t help themselves, which was the basic plot of the original TV series.
‘The Equalizer 2’ saw McCall in Boston making good on his promise from the first film and helping the unfortunate. But when his close friend and former CIA colleague Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo) is murdered by McCall’s former partner Dave York (Pedro Pascal), McCall releases a personal vendetta on York and his former team members.
In ‘The Equalizer 3,’ we meet an older McCall, tired from his revenge-for-hire business, on a mission in Italy to right another wrong for an American family that lost their savings to an international gangster with terrorist ties. After an injury, McCall is taken to a small Italian town and nursed back to health by a local doctor named Enzo (Remo Girone). McCall soon comes to love the town and the people in it, including a waitress named Aminah (Gaia Scodellaro), who McCall has affection for. But when the town and its people are threatened by the same family of mobsters that McCall was trying to stop in the first place, he vows to take them all down one by one to save the town and protect its people. In order to do that, he enlists the help of a CIA agent named Emma Collins (Dakota Fanning), who unbeknownst to her, has a secret connection to McCall in her past.
(L to R) Denzel Washington and director Antoine Fuqua and on the set of ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Cristiiano Montesi.
As action-packed as ‘The Equalizer’ franchise is, and as much as we all love seeing Denzel Washington systematically killing bad guys, the series is really a character study, and that has never been more apparent than in ‘Equalizer 3.’ By putting McCall in a new and foreign setting to him, it allows director Antoine Fuqua to slow the action just a bit and really explore what years of violence has done to this man that we’ve grown to love over the course of the previous films. It also doesn’t hurt that the character is portrayed by one of the most beloved actors of all time, who brings all that love and grace with him to the role, but more on that in a minute.
Fuqua wisely opens the movie with a fantastic action sequence, which was featured in the trailer and sets the pace for the film before slowing it down to explore McCall’s state of mind to great effect. While some might just be waiting for the next action sequence, they will end up captivated by McCall’s journey, meeting the town’s people and watching him find a feeling of home in this town, which will give him his motivation for the explosive second half of the film.
There is a comparison to be made between Fuqua and Washington’s collaborations and those of Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. In addition to ‘The Equalizer’ franchise, Fuqua and Washington have made together the Oscar-winning ‘Training Day’ and the western remake ‘The Magnificent Seven.’ The director and actor clearly have a strong shorthand together that works, as it does here again with this film.
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Denzel’s Performance
Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) watches Vincent crawl down his stairs in Columbia Pictures ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
There is no arguing that Denzel Washington is one of the greatest screen actors of all time. His body of work speaks volumes, so I won’t bother listing them all as everyone knows his resume. But in this modern age of superhero movies, a serious actor like Denzel could easily have slipped away from making box office hits but instead has embraced a franchise based on an old TV show and has turned McCall into his own version of a modern day superhero by infusing the character with his real-life integrity and gravitas. We root for McCall because we love Denzel, and we love seeing him … as the actor has said publicly, “get the guys we can’t get.”
Washington takes the opportunity in ‘Equalizer 3,’ to really explore his character’s emotions in an authentic way that the franchise has not had a chance to do previously, while never really jeopardizing the pace or the action. After four films together Washington clearly trusts Fuqua, and it shows in his performance in this movie, as Robert McCall has truly become one of Washington’s signature characters.
‘Man on Fire’ Reunion
Emma (Dakota Fanning) reports to Frank what is happening in Italy in Columbia Pictures ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
But one of the best parts of ‘The Equalizer 3’ is seeing the ‘Man on Fire’ reunion between actress Dakota Fanning and Washington. ‘Man on Fire’ is a 2004 Tony Scott classic, and one of the best films of Washington’s long and respected career. Fanning starred opposite Washington when she was just 10 years old and the two actor’s chemistry together in that movie was unforgettable … seriously, you should watch it if you haven’t! So, seeing Dakota and Denzel together again was a real treat, and their chemistry together is as good now as it ever was. Washington clearly has a lot of affection for Fanning, and that plays well with their character’s secret connection. Fanning is also believable as a young CIA agent, and the movie benefits from her presence.
Misfires
Vincent (Andrea Scarduzio, right) comes to the church to see his brother Marco (Andrea Dodero) in Columbia Pictures ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
While the movie is thoroughly enjoyable, both through its action-sequences and its performances, it does lag a bit in the first act, after the cold open action scene. The scenes are still enjoyable, and it establishes McCall’s connection to his new community for what is to come, but some viewers looking for non-stop action, may find these sequences tedious.
The movie also lacks any original villains, and instead gives us generic Italian mafia bad guys. The first film at least established a ‘Die Hard’ Hans Gruber-type villain in Marton Csokas’ assassin Nicolai Itchenko, and the second movie had a personal antagonist in Pedro Pascal’s Dave York. In ‘The Equalizer 3’ we are given Andrea Scarduzio’s Vincent Quaranta, a spoiled narcissist with delusions of grandeur, who could easily be swapped into any James Bond or John Wick movie as the generic villain and has no real emotional to the story.
Will there be an ‘Equalizer 4’?
(L to R) Dakota Fanning and Denzel Washington on the set of ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Cristiiano Montesi.
That’s hard to say, but neither Fuqua or Washington have said they wouldn’t be interested, and the movie certainly leaves the possibility for more stories featuring Washington’s version of Robert McCall. And now that Fanning’s Emma Collins has been established, she could make a great ally for McCall moving forward.
Denzel Washington in ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
‘The Equalizer 3’ is a worthy addition to the extremely enjoyable ‘Equalizer’ franchise and Denzel Washington and director Antoine Fuqua have recaptured the magic of the previous films while expanding on the emotional journey of the title character. Dakota Fanning is a delightful addition to the franchise, and seeing her reunite with Washington is a true treat for fans of the classic ‘Man on Fire.’
‘The Equalizer 3’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.
Denzel Washington in ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo: Stefano Montesi.
This animated adventure has it all: a star-studded voice cast, catchy original songs, jokes for kids and adults, and a ton of heart. A young male Yeti (Channing Tatum) discovers something he’s always believed to be a myth: a human! Migo and Percy (James Corden) become unlikely friends, despite the disapproval of the Yeti elders and the fear on the part of the humans.
The movie arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on December 11 (and is already available on Digital HD).
Denzel Washington flexes his special set of skills in reprising his role as retired Marine and spy Robert McCall. Now, he’s working as a Lyft driver, while still assisting people who need help. But when his friend and colleague is brutally murdered, he sets out on a course of revenge. There are a million other subplots, but the gist is — Washington kicks ass.
The movie arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 11 (and is already available on Digital HD).
Jennifer Garner rediscovers herself as an action star in this vigilante movie. She shows off her bicep guns, much like in her “Alias” days, as a mother who hones a special set of skills so she can target the cartel responsible for killing her daughter and husband.
The movie arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on December 11 (and is already available on Digital HD).
Sony’s efforts to create a Spider-Man spinoff universe certainly paid — at the box office, at least. Critics may have torn apart this super anti-hero flick, but it raked in the big bucks. Tom Hardy stars as a journalist named Eddie Brock who comes into contact with an alien symbiote that fuses with him. That gives him superpowers but also turns him into a slime monster with a really gross, long tongue. Available December 11 on Digital HD.
Blake Lively stars in this stylish thriller as Emily Nelson, an elegant and mysterious woman who strikes up a sort-of friendship with fellow mom Stephanie (Anna Kendrick). Then, Emily disappears without a trace after calling Stephanie for the titular favor. Is she dead? Where did she go? Should her husband (Henry Golding) be a suspect? This is the kind of grown-up movie — beautifully shot, with snappy performances and a carefully-built mystery — that just don’t get made anymore. Available December 11 on Digital HD.
It’s a no-brainer to pair up Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart, two of Hollywood’s most in-demand comedic actors.The premise of the movie is pretty simple: Hart attends night school in hopes of getting his GED, which he needs to get a sales job. Haddish is his no-nonsense teacher who doesn’t take any BS from her students. Available December 11 on Digital HD.
Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón gets personal and emotional in this semi-autobiographical tale. The film, shot in black and white, is already getting major awards buzz. So is newcomer Yalitza Aparicio, who plays a young domestic worker for a family in the titular middle-class Mexico City neighborhood.
‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: A Midwinter’s Tale’ (Netflix Original)
The night is dark and full of terrors in this Christmas special from the teen supernatural series. It takes place on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, which means there’s plenty of time for magical mischief.
‘Fuller House’ Season 4 (Netflix Original)
The TGIF family sitcom returns to find Danny (Bob Saget), Joey (Dave Coulier), Jesse (John Stamos) and Rebecca (Lori Loughlin) all moving back to San Francisco. It will also follow Kimmy’s (Andre Barber) pregnancy, with D.J. (Candace Cameron Bure) and Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) on hand to support her.
‘Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year,’ NBC (December 13)
The honor of Sportsperson of the Year is given to the athlete, coach, or team who best exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship and achievement. Previous winners include Serena Williams, LeBron James, and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.
The great white from “Jaws” would just be a light snack for the megalodon shark in this surprise sci-fi hit from Summer 2018.
Jason Statham stars as a deep sea rescue diver who is called upon to save scientists researching the depths of the Marianas trench. The movie arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on November 13 (and is already available on Digital HD). Bonus features include “Chomp On This: The Making Of The Meg” and “Creating The Beast.”
Watch the cast discuss the difficulties of filming in water below:
This music-focused romantic comedy boasts Ethan Hawke’s second best performance of the year, after his (likely award-nominated) turn in “First Reformed.” He plays a washed-up singer/songwriter named Tucker Crowe, whose biggest fan is a man named Duncan (Chris O’Dowd). Duncan’s girlfriend, Annie (Rose Byrne), is so fed up with his obsessiveness, she posts a scathing review of Tucker’s music. But in a twist, Tucker agrees with her — and the two begin an unlikely romance.
The movie arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand on November 13 (and is already available on Digital HD). Bonus features include the “Making ‘Juliet, Naked’” featurette.
Watch an exclusive clip from “Juliet, Naked” below:
Mark Wahlberg teams up once again with director Peter Berg for another military-themed action thriller. This time, he plays a CIA agent tasked with escorting a high-priority asset to an extraction point. Much like their other collaborations –“Lone Survivor,” “Deepwater Horizon,” and “Patriots Day” — “Mile 22” is filled with noisy action sequences, clipped dialogue, and hard stares.
It arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and On Demand on November 13 (and is already available on Digital HD). Bonus features include a a behind-the-scenes look at stunts with actor and stunt choreographer Iko Uwais and a “Bad Ass Women” featurette with Lauren Cohan and Ronda Rousey.
Not only is the cyber thriller #StarringJohnCho, it pushes Hollywood boundaries by being set completely on screens — computers and smartphones. John Cho plays a dad desperately trying to find his missing 16-year-old daughter by tracking her online history and movements. Available on Digital HD.
Denzel Washington flexes his special set of skills in reprising his role as retired Marine and spy Robert McCall. Now, he’s working as a Lyft driver, while still assisting people who need help. But when his friend and colleague is brutally murdered, he sets out on a course of revenge. There are a million other subplots, but the gist is — Washington kicks ass.
Available on Digital HD.
‘Rising’ (November 13)
This short film from director David Nutter (“Game of Thrones”) and Emmy-winning writer Lena Waithe asks the question, “Why does it take a disaster to bring us together?” It’s the story of a Muslim family and their diverse neighbors struggling to survive rising floodwaters and bias in the heart of America. Available on Digital HD.
NEW ON NETFLIX
‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ (November 16)
The Coen brothers head West again, this time to spin six different yarns set in the wild frontier. Tim Blake Nelson leads a star-studded cast as the titular sharp-shooting songster. Originally meant to be a limited anthology series, Joel and Ethan Coen fashioned the parts together to make a whole that’s part “O, Brother Where Art Thou?,” a bit “No Country For Old Men,” and even a dash of “Inside Llewyn Davis.”
‘Narcos: Mexico’ (November 16)
The fourth season of the drug cartel drama moves the action from Colombia to Mexico and introduces an entirely new cast. Michael Peña stars as undercover DEA agent Kiki Camarena, who recruits informants close to Félix Gallardo (Diego Luna), the leader of the Guadalajara Cartel and founder of the modern Mexican drug trade.
‘The Kominsky Method’ (November 16)
Chuck Lorre has ruled the comedy roost on CBS and now he’s expanding his empire to Netflix. Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin as elderly best friends in Los Angeles who are trying to gracefully tackle life’s inevitable curveballs as they navigate their later years in a a city that values youth and beauty.
‘Sesame Street’ Season 49 Premiere, HBO (November 17)
The beloved children’s show returns with favorite characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and the Cookie Monster. New this season is a segment called “Abby’s Amazing Adventures” with Abby Cadabby, which shows how girls and boys can take charge of their own journeys.
‘Escape at Dannemora’ Limited Series Premiere, Showtime (November 18)
Amidst the true crime frenzy happening right now comes this fictionalized tale of a 2015 prison break in upstate New York that launched a massive manhunt for two convicted murderers. Benicio del Toro and Paul Dano star as the criminals, who are helped by a married prison worker (Patricia Arquette).
Elena Ferrante’s bestselling novel comes to life on the small screen in eight one-hour episodes to air weekly on HBO. The story follows the complicated friendship between two girls, Elena and Lila, who meet at a Naples school in the 1950s.
Denzel Washington‘s first-ever sequel was a super trouper at the July 20 weekend box office.
In a battle between two sequels — “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” and “The Equalizer 2” — ABBA was expected to strike gold. The musical comedy had the better Friday estimates and tracking numbers. But you should never bet against Denzel! His R-rated vigilante justice didn’t win by much — it was a relatively quiet weekend — but you know what they say: The winner takes it all.
“The Equalizer 2” earned $35,825,000 to take the top spot on the box office chart. “Mamma Mia! 2” earned $34,380,000 to just barely miss No. 1. But, hey, Happy 10th anniversary anyway!
Universal
Denzel Washington’s “Equalizer” sequel earned an A Cinemascore vs. the A- for the PG-13 sunshine bright comedy. Maybe if there’s a third “Mamma Mia!” they can bring in Denzel for some dancing fun.
The 2008 “Mamma Mia!” movie had a $27 million opening weekend, eventually earning $145 million at the domestic box office and a total of $610 million worldwide. All on a budget of $52 million.
Columbia Pictures
The first “Equalizer” opened in 2014 with $35 million, eventually picking up $101 million on the domestic front for a total of $192M worldwide. Its budget was $55 million, fairly similar to the first “Mamma Mia!” Both budgets jumped for the sequels — about $10 million for Denzel’s film and $20 million for the even larger “Mamma Mia!” ensemble.
The other big new movie this week, “Unfriended: Dark Web,” had to settle for No. 9 with just over $3 million.
Here’s the top 10:
1. “The Equalizer 2” – $35,825,000 2. “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” – $34,380,000 3. “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” – $23,150,000 4. “Ant-Man and the Wasp” – $16,126,000 5. “Incredibles 2” – $11,520,000 6. “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” – $11,005,000 7. “Skyscraper” – $10,960,000 8. “The First Purge” – $4,980,000 9. “Unfriended: Dark Web” – $3,495,000 10. “Sorry to Bother You” – $2,823,000
“Sicario 2,” “Ocean’s 8,” and “Uncle Drew” followed behind.
People complain about all these sequels and reboots, but that also seems to be what they’re most willing to pay to see. “Skyscraper” may have felt like a reboot of “The Towering Inferno” and “Die Hard,” but technically it and “Sorry to Bother You” are the only non-sequels on the list above.
