In 2014, the action film John Wick starring Keanu Reeves debuted and quickly grew into a major franchise, with Reeves becoming synonymous with the character. However, at that time, Denzel Washington briefly presented a character that some might consider an even stronger iteration of the same archetype. This surprising comparison is understandable, given Washington’s reputation as one of the greatest actors, making him a natural fit for a similarly intense and skilled action role.
The Equalizer’s Release Predated John Wick and Initially Outperformed It
Denzel Washington’s film The Equalizer premiered about a month before John Wick and, despite their comparable themes, the movies were rarely directly compared at the time. Both films featured iconic actors delivering exceptional performances in their roles. In The Equalizer, Washington portrayed Robert McCall, a former Marine and DIA officer who comes out of retirement to protect a trafficking victim. Meanwhile, John Wick told the story of Reeves’ character, a retired hitman seeking vengeance after the killing of a dog gifted by his late wife.
Both movies showcased two formidable protagonists engaging in expertly choreographed action over a span of roughly two hours. Though in hindsight the John Wick franchise became far more dominant, The Equalizer initially proved more successful financially, grossing $192.3 million worldwide compared to John Wick’s $86 million in 2014.
John Wick Franchise Surpassed The Equalizer in Growth and Popularity
While The Equalizer maintained solid box office numbers with its sequels—The Equalizer 2 earning $190.4 million and The Equalizer 3 bringing in $191.1 million—the John Wick series experienced far more rapid expansion. John Wick: Chapter 2 nearly doubled the original’s total with $174.3 million, followed by subsequent installments, with Chapter 3 generating $327.7 million and Chapter 4 reaching an impressive $447.3 million.
The conclusion of John Wick: Chapter 4 officially wrapped up the main storyline, but its overwhelming success has paved the way for additional projects. The franchise has already expanded beyond movies to include a prequel TV show titled The Continental: From the World of John Wick and a spin-off film, Ballerina: From the World of John Wick, starring Ana de Armas. Although neither spin-off has matched the blockbuster status of the central films, their development underscores the vastness and continuing appeal of the John Wick universe.
Why John Wick Was More Adaptable for a Long-Running Franchise Than The Equalizer
Despite The Equalizer reaching three films, the John Wick franchise clearly adapted better for ongoing installments. Robert McCall’s story, while compelling, follows a relatively straightforward path of aiding victims and confronting antagonists. In contrast, John Wick introduced viewers to a complex, expansive assassin’s underworld that grew deeper with each entry.
John Wick’s narrative unveiled a vast network of assassins worldwide, intricate lore surrounding the High Table, and characters such as the Bowery King and alien adjudicators who enforce the assassin code. Each movie introduced new figures and set across multiple global locations, increasing the franchise’s scope and depth significantly.
There are numerous opportunities for future John Wick stories featuring characters like Donnie Yen’s Caine, Laurence Fishburne’s Bowery King, Rina Sawayama’s Shimazu Akira, and Halle Berry’s Sofia, who appeared in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. The Equalizer series, though branching into new locations with its third movie, remains mostly centered on Robert McCall’s personal journey, limiting its ability to spin off multiple interconnected stories. Nonetheless, The Equalizer sustains its strength through focused storytelling around its protagonist.
The Equalizer Remains a Highlight in Denzel Washington’s Career
Even though Denzel Washington’s status as a ‘better John Wick’ was brief, The Equalizer remains one of his most memorable roles. Each film in the series received generally positive reviews, with the third installment garnering the strongest critical praise. Regardless of varied reception, Washington consistently delivered a powerful portrayal of Robert McCall.
Washington, known for historically avoiding sequels, embraced The Equalizer franchise, highlighting the significance of the character and story to him. As his career approaches its later stages, Robert McCall stands out as one of his defining roles. Future installments, including a fourth and fifth film, along with rumors about a prequel possibly featuring de-aging technology or casting Washington’s son, John David Washington, indicate that the franchise remains poised for continued success.
