The Equalizer 3: Dakota Fanning Is Overjoyed To Be Working With Denzel Again
It's remarkable in a career as legendary and expansive as Denzel Washington's that the actor has largely stayed away from franchise fare. However, when there's an opportunity to make another "Equalizer" film, it would appear Washington can't say no.
"The Equalizer" franchise began as a TV series in the 1980s before becoming an action-packed film franchise (and then becoming another TV series starring Queen Latifah). The trailer for the third film installment, which is being touted as the final chapter, came out during CinemaCon this week, and audiences got a first look at Washington teaming up with an old co-star of his — Dakota Fanning.
The two previously shared the screen in 2004's "Man on Fire" when Fanning was only 10 years old. Both actors are older, and Fanning couldn't be more thrilled to act alongside one of the true greats once again. As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Fanning was overjoyed, saying, "Getting to work with Denzel once is a dream come true and twice is... I don't even know. [I'm] so blessed to be a part of this, and excited for you to see a sneak peek!"
Dakota Fanning and Denzel Washington have a ton of respect for one another as actors
"The Equalizer 3" trailer sees Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) trying to do what most vigilantes want to do — carve out a quiet, peaceful existence for themselves. However, wherever Robert goes, violence follows, and he's brought out of the shadows to seek justice. While fans are undoubtedly excited to see Washington suit up as Robert McCall once again since 2018's "The Equalizer 2," the reunion between him and Dakota Fanning is also worth celebrating.
It's been nearly 20 years since Fanning played a young girl who gets kidnapped while Washington's character is tasked with tracking her down, but the two always had the utmost respect for one another. In an IGN interview at the time, Washington praised Fanning's abilities, "Dakota is a child, but she is a wonderful actor. And that's what we were doing together: acting. I don't know what a child actor is. She's an actor who's a child." Similarly, Fanning loved spending time with Washington during production, "He was so nice and I couldn't wait to see him every day. I was so honored to get to see him every day."
If the trailer is any indication, the two share a much different dynamic than they had in "Man on Fire." Audiences can see for themselves when "The Equalizer 3" comes out in theaters on September 1.