Denzel Washington’s newest film, The Equalizer 3, has achieved a significant milestone at the international box office, marking this achievement during its second weekend in theaters.
The Equalizer 3 directed by Antoine Fuqua has set a new box-office record, maintaining its growing success after the second weekend in theaters.
The Equalizer 3 has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing $100 million in global box office earnings, reaching $107.7 million in worldwide ticket sales. Although its domestic earnings over the past weekend amounted to $12 million, being overshadowed by The Nun II from New Line Cinema, The Equalizer 3 has still accumulated over $61 million domestically. Furthermore, the film has garnered over $45 million from its performance in 50 overseas territories.
The Equalizer 3 has been experiencing a successful start in theaters, despite the absence of star Denzel Washington for promotional activities due to the ongoing Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike in Hollywood since July. The film, which follows Denzel Washington’s vigilante character, Robert McCall, achieved its best opening weekend within the franchise after its release on September 1. It also secured one of the best opening earnings for a Labor Day weekend release. The highest-grossing film in the franchise remains the original The Equalizer from 2014, which earned over $192 million worldwide.
The Equalizer 3 has not only achieved commercial success but has also garnered the highest critical acclaim within the film trilogy. It boasts an impressive 74% average critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as the best-received film in the series to date. The movie has been lauded for its cathartic action sequences and overall entertainment value, with Denzel Washington receiving praise for his portrayal of the character Robert McCall.
It’s worth noting that The Equalizer 3 is set to be Denzel Washington’s final appearance as McCall, with director Antoine Fuqua referring to it as Washington’s final masterpiece of violence ahead of the film’s release. The Equalizer franchise is unique in Washington’s filmography, and it marks his reunion with Fuqua after their collaboration on the 2001 classic Training Day, which catapulted Fuqua to fame and earned Washington an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as the corrupt cop Alonso Harris.
Robert McCall’s story comes to an end with The Equalizer 3
The Equalizer 3 follows the story of Robert McCall as he enjoys a peaceful life in southern Italy, forming new connections and friendships. However, his newfound tranquility is disrupted when he discovers that the Sicilian Mafia has control over his friends. To protect both his friends and his stable life, McCall is compelled to tap into his dangerous and vigilant side. He takes on the Mafia, embarking on a mission to save his friends while preserving the peaceful existence he has built.
In this installment, Denzel Washington reprises his role as McCall, and he is joined by Dakota Fanning, marking a reunion of the two actors who previously worked together in 2004’s Man on Fire. While The Equalizer 3 is planned as the final film in the series for Washington, director Antoine Fuqua remains open to the possibility of continuing the franchise if Washington decides to return, recognizing the pivotal role of Washington’s character in the series’ success.