A film version of the 80s TV series The Equalizer has been in the works for years, with various people coming and going from the movie, but it’s never actually made it to a film set. Now a bit more momentum has built up behind it with the news, via Variety, that Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn is in talks to helm for Sony Pictures.
Denzel Washington is still attached to star in the film, based on The Equalizer TV series that debuted back in 1985. It starred Edward Woodward as a former spy who decides to help those in need, free of charge. The feature version will alter the premise slightly, with Washington as a lone recluse, determined to stop helpless people from being victimised.
Back in 2010, Oscar winner Paul Haggis was writing the screenplay, but it seems he is no longer involved. Instead Refn will be working from a draft by Richard Wenk (The Expendables 2). Shooting should begin in the spring of 2013.