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‘Equalizer’ Update: Chloe Moretz Getting Lead in Film And Creator Michael Sloan To Write New Novels Based On Iconic Character

By MIKE FLEMING JR | Friday May 10, 2013 @ 7:24am PDTTags: Big Deals Film, Chloe Moretz, Denzel Washington, Michael Sloan, The Equalizer, Thomas Dunne Books
Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: A couple of intriguing developments have happened on The Equalizer. After a strong reading with Denzel Washington, Chloe Moretz is getting the offer from Sony Pictures to play the female lead in the drama that will re-team Training Day tandem Washington and Antoine Fuqua. At the same time, Michael Sloan, creator of the 1980s TV series, has made a deal to write an original novel for Thomas Dunne Books that will continue the adventures of Robert McCall, the shadowy character originated by Edward Woodward who’ll be played on the big screen by Washington.

Moretz is a surprise choice to play the role of Teri, in that the role was originally drawn for a twentysomething. After Moretz did a chemistry reading with Washington, he was very impressed as was everybody else, and the role will be redrawn for Moretz to play a young prostitute, reminiscent of Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver. Deal has to be made, but between this and the upcoming Kimberly Peirce-directed Carrie, that little girl from Kick-Ass is turning into a young woman who’s taking on some of the edgiest roles in town. READ MORE »

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Antoine Fuqua Eyes ‘Training Day’ Re-Team With Denzel Washington In ‘The Equalizer’

By MIKE FLEMING JR | Thursday March 21, 2013 @ 10:30am PDTTags: Antoine Fuqua, Big Deals Film, Denzel Washington, Sony Pictures, The Equalizer
Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: On the eve of the opening of his latest film Olympus Has Fallen, director Antoine Fuqua is in early talks to re-team with his Training Day star Denzel Washington on The Equalizer for Sony Pictures and Escape Artists. That is the film that has had a lot of helmers chasing after the script by Richard Wenk prompted the studio to expedite Washington’s deal and set a late spring start date, likely in Boston. The film is a smartly budgeted thriller based on the TV series that will come in around $50 million and is designed to launch the first franchise for Washington, who’s coming off an Oscar-nominated turn in Flight.

Fuqua directed Washington to an Academy Award for Best Actor in Training Day for his portrayal of a crooked cop who creates havoc for a recruit (Ethan Hawke) he’s supposed to be training to join an elite undercover force. It was a full out badass performance, and Fuqua and Washington have been looking to work together ever since. This certainly seems like a strong fit for the helmer whose recent films have included Brooklyn’s Finest and Shooter. Read More »

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Rupert Wyatt Steps Away From ‘The Equalizer’

By MIKE FLEMING JR | Tuesday March 5, 2013 @ 1:05pm PSTTags: Denzel Washington, Rupert Wyatt, Sony Pictures, The Equalizer
Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: Rise of the Planet Of the Apes helmer Rupert Wyatt broke off talks to direct The Equalizer at Sony with Denzel Washington. He had another obligation and skeds ultimately didn’t mesh, I’m told. Sony and Escape Artists will lock in a helmer shortly.

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Rupert Wyatt Eyeing ‘The Equalizer’ With Denzel Washington

By MIKE FLEMING JR | Tuesday February 19, 2013 @ 11:11am PSTTags: Rise of the Planet Of The Apes, Rupert Wyatt, Sony Pictures, The Equalizer
Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes helmer Rupert Wyatt might well have found his next film after stepping out of the Apes sequel. I’m told that he’s in early talks to helm The Equalizer for … Read More »

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Nicolas Winding Refn To Direct Denzel Washington In ‘The Equalizer’

By MIKE FLEMING JR | Friday December 7, 2012 @ 12:02pm PSTTags: Columbia Pictures, Nicolas Winding Refn, The Equalizer
Mike Fleming

BREAKING: Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn has been selected to direct The Equalizer for Sony Pictures and Escape Artists. The film, loosely based on the 1980s TV series, has been a hot ticket for directors since Denzel Washington agreed to play the title role. A number of directors had been considered along the way. Negotiations toward a deal will begin immediately with Refn. Read More »

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