Film fans are in for a treat tonight as a major box office hit starring the legendary Denzel Washington graces television screens. The Equalizer 2, the 2018 vigilante action-thriller, airs on Film4 at 9pm on Sunday, 11th January 2026. This sequel to the popular first film reunites Washington with director Antoine Fuqua for a story that delves deeper into the character of Robert McCall.
A Sequel That Surpassed Expectations
Returning for a sequel is no small decision for an actor of Denzel Washington's calibre. In a 2018 interview, the two-time Oscar winner emphasised that his reason for signing on was the strength of the story, not just the action. "The only reason is there is a reason. Not just to go blow up some more stuff... The actor in me is hopeful there's a good story," Washington told Entertainment Weekly.
The plot sees his character, the retired intelligence officer Robert McCall, propelled into a personal vendetta. When his best friend and former colleague Susan Plummer is murdered, McCall's quest for revenge pits him against a crew of highly trained assassins. The film builds upon the foundation of the original, which was itself adapted from a television series, to explore themes of grief and justice.
Critical Acclaim and Box Office Success
The film proved to be a phenomenal commercial success, grossing an impressive $190.4 million worldwide against a production budget of $62 million. But beyond the numbers, it was the critical and audience reception that cemented its status.
Reviewers were united in their praise for Washington's commanding central performance. One critic noted, "[Denzel] Washington is such a joy to watch. The seasoned star hasn't lost a bit of his allure, and his ability to carry a film is unmatched." Another believed the sequel improved on the original, calling it "a step up... raising the stakes and making an effort that's not just watchable, it's occasionally even enjoyable." The film's pacing was also highlighted, with the two-hour runtime described as flying by.
A Powerful Ensemble Cast
Washington is supported by a formidable cast in The Equalizer 2. The ensemble includes Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders, Melissa Leo, and Bill Pullman. The film also features a poignant final screen appearance from the late Orson Bean, who passed away in 2020.
Audience reviews echoed the critical praise, with many viewers finding the sequel superior. One fan shared, "Very good, better than the first one," while another appreciated its tighter structure: "It is tighter than the original, coming under 2 hours is a plus... if you are in the mood for an action revenge thriller this will fill you up quite well." A more detailed viewer analysis praised the film's nuanced approach, stating it explored "heady themes with bursts of violence to punctuate the drama."
With its blend of intelligent storytelling, expertly choreographed action, and a magnetic lead performance, The Equalizer 2 remains a standout entry in the modern thriller genre. Don't miss the chance to see Denzel Washington at his compelling best on Film4 tonight at 9pm.
