While I remain unconvinced about Crash director Paul Haggis’ greatness, Hollywood seem to like him, both as a director and a screenwriter. Now it appears he’s got a new gig, with THR saying he’s currently in talks to write a script based on the 80s television series The Equalizer.
Russell Crowe is currently attached to step into Edward Woodward’s shoes in the film, and it may be the Crowe connection that was a deciding factor in getting Haggis the job, as the two have just finished working together on The Next Three Days.
Previous attempts to make an Equalizer movie have got stuck in development hell due to differences of opinion over the tone of the movie (after all, there’s virtually no reason to make an Equalizer film, so finding a worthwhile script has always been tough), and while there’s still no final decision of the direction of this remake, hiring Haggis would suggest something fairly gritty.
The original series followed Robert McCall, who had a murky past working for an agency where he had to do terrible things. Seeking redemption, he left ‘The Company’ behind and set himself up as a private detective, each week helping those who the police can not – or will not – assist, while also dealing with his former boss and colleagues.
At the moment Haggis isn’t slated to direct, but that could change.