66 replies to this topic

[TheSaint]

The Weinstein Company has aquired the rights to develop an Equalizer movie, with Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, and Michael Sloan producing. There's no cast or director attached to the movie yet.

For those of you too young to know what I'm talking about, the series ran on CBS from 1985-89, and starred Edward Woodward as Robert McCall. He was a veteran covert operative who quit a CIA-type agency to rent himself out as a one-man justice force.

Now, I'm a huge fan of the show and am chomping at the bit for it to be released on DVD. I'm kinda on the fence regarding this news. While a new project would spark interest in the original series and prompt Universal to put it out on DVD, I'm afraid that the new version might suck. Too early to tell, that's true but, rarely does a remake match or surpass the original.

[Tarl_Cabot]

No way!!! Wow, I go to Bestbuy every couple months and look for the TV show on DVD(maybe the only show I'm willing to pay to see again). That's great news! I'm a huge fan...I hope they cast ....Clive Owen! If he can't be Bond he can be Robert McCall!

Ok maybe Liam Neeson...*must be realistic*

[TheSaint]

Much as I want Clive Owen to be Bond instead of the homely blonde, I wouldn't want him to play McCall. Part of the appeal of the Equalizer, I think, is that it's an older, ex-spy, not someone in their 30's/40's.

[killkenny kid]

Great news.

[Tarl_Cabot]

Much as I want Clive Owen to be Bond instead of the homely blonde, I wouldn't want him to play McCall. Part of the appeal of the Equalizer, I think, is that it's an older, ex-spy, not someone in their 30's/40's.

I agree with that 100% but I was thinking like a suit.

Liam Neeson is over 50 and has a few films in him...hence my choice.

[james st.john smythe]

i think edward woodward is brownbread, so i wouldnt paln on seeing him in a cameo sun shine

[Royal Dalton]

Edward Woodward's alive and well, and living in Cornwall, apparently.

[Bryce (003)]

I'd love to see this series on DVD as well.

"Odds against you? Need Help? Call the Equalizer"

Great show. I'm not sure who I'd want in the role. Woodward today would be great playing Control (the role played by the late Robert Lansing) as a cameo.

That was a great show and ran the gambit of spy-thriller, drama, adventure with a nod to the old-school ways of espionage. Woodward as McCall could deliver an icy stare that would make Timothy Dalton take a step back. The apartment - complete with photo-lab and hidden armory, the stainless steel PPK/s, the black Jag.

Good stuff.

Of course, let us not forget the great opening credits and Stewart Copeland theme.

Now, back to who...

Hmmmm....

You know...It would probably NEVER happen...

but....

He's the right age now.

Why not Dalton...Playing a former spy....

[Moore Not Less]

I'd love to see this series on DVD as well.

"Odds against you? Need Help? Call the Equalizer"

Great show. I'm not sure who I'd want in the role. Woodward today would be great playing Control (the role played by the late Robert Lansing) as a cameo.

That was a great show and ran the gambit of spy-thriller, drama, adventure with a nod to the old-school ways of espionage. Woodward as McCall could deliver an icy stare that would make Timothy Dalton take a step back. The apartment - complete with photo-lab and hidden armory, the stainless steel PPK/s, the black Jag.

Good stuff.

Of course, let us not forget the great opening credits and Stewart Copeland theme.

Now, back to who...

Hmmmm....

You know...It would probably NEVER happen...

but....

He's the right age now.

Why not Dalton...Playing a former spy....

Agreed Bryce (003). I enjoyed The Equalizer. Even though I haven't seen it in years the great opening credits and Stewart Copeland's theme are ingrained in my memory. Absolutely unforgettable.

As for the possibility of a film. My interest (or lack of) would most likely depend on who was cast as Robert McCall. I would certainly welcome an appearance by Edward Woodward in a cameo role. I am a big fan of his. He never really had the big success that his talent deserved.

[darthbond]

wonderful news.

darthbond

[Tarl_Cabot]

I'd love to see this series on DVD as well.

"Odds against you? Need Help? Call the Equalizer"

Great show. I'm not sure who I'd want in the role. Woodward today would be great playing Control (the role played by the late Robert Lansing) as a cameo.

That was a great show and ran the gambit of spy-thriller, drama, adventure with a nod to the old-school ways of espionage. Woodward as McCall could deliver an icy stare that would make Timothy Dalton take a step back. The apartment - complete with photo-lab and hidden armory, the stainless steel PPK/s, the black Jag.

Good stuff.

Of course, let us not forget the great opening credits and Stewart Copeland theme.

Now, back to who...

Hmmmm....

You know...It would probably NEVER happen...

but....

He's the right age now.

Why not Dalton...Playing a former spy....

Excellent Choice. he should be old enogh to be a Vietnam veteren(SAS)...


but how about Sam Neil!!!!??? OMFG I'm inspired!

[killkenny kid]

I'd love to see this series on DVD as well.

"Odds against you? Need Help? Call the Equalizer"

Great show. I'm not sure who I'd want in the role. Woodward today would be great playing Control (the role played by the late Robert Lansing) as a cameo.

That was a great show and ran the gambit of spy-thriller, drama, adventure with a nod to the old-school ways of espionage. Woodward as McCall could deliver an icy stare that would make Timothy Dalton take a step back. The apartment - complete with photo-lab and hidden armory, the stainless steel PPK/s, the black Jag.

Good stuff.

Of course, let us not forget the great opening credits and Stewart Copeland theme.

Now, back to who...

Hmmmm....

You know...It would probably NEVER happen...

but....

He's the right age now.

Why not Dalton...Playing a former spy....

Damn, fine idea. Mr. Dalton as Robert McCall, and a cameo from Edward (I said drop it!!) Woodward.

[WC]

How about someone like Victor Garber as McCall? Okay, he already played a spy in Alias and is quite associated with that. But he is British and older.

[killkenny kid]

How about someone like Victor Garber as McCall? Okay, he already played a spy in Alias and is quite associated with that. But he is British and older.

I like this thread.

[Bryce (003)]

Wow.

This thread got me thinking and I managed to find an old tape with half of one episode and most of another.

Not sure which ones but two bits caught my attention.

1) McCall and the ever handy Mickey sit in the Jag on a cold NYC night.

McCall: Alright. (lowers binos) Miss Johnston should be home and in the apartment by 6:45. I'll see that she is. Then we wait.

Mickey: You sure about this guy?

McCall: He's a sociapath. He'll not let this pass. (menacing under the breath anger) I know the type.

Mickey: Soooo...Let me guess...I get the freezing bird's eye view and you get the warm bucket-seats of the Jag?

McCall: Of course. Years of experience allow me that right. On your way.

2) Slimey English pimp holds a young teen girl freaked out of her mind in a back room somewhere raising a knife and tugging at her clothes. She's screaming.

Pimp: Scream all you want luv. Go ahead!

She collapses into wimpering and tears.

Pimp: Well Go Ahead! Scream! No one's gonna hear you or bloody care!

Door to back room bursts open nearly off it's hinges. McCall stands with PPK/s drawn at the waist.

McCall: (Cold) YOU could not possibly be more (snarl) WRONG!

Pimp releases girl. She runs to McCall

McCall: (not taking his eyes off the pimp) Go outside. Wait in my car....and close this door behind you.

Damn good stuff. If not a feature, just get it out on DVD.

[Bond Bombshell]

I still love The Equalizer and Edward Woodward is one of my favourite actors, so like others in this thread, I am excited but concerned at the damage that might be done. Woodward is semi retired these days, preferring to work only a few weeks a year, but still crops up occasionally on British TV. I'd love to see him in a cameo, if he could be enticed to do so.

I have fond memories of The Equalizer or "Call Grandad" as it was jokingly known on set. Does anyone remember him shooting the bad guy with a hallucinatory dart, followed by his powerful "I will NOT forgive!" speech? I particularly enjoyed the way he used to set off after guys half his age with that laboured trot of his, and then catch them even though it was obvious he couldn't catch a tortoise on crutches.

Woodward was such a star in this role it is hard to imagine anyone replacing him. IMO, had he been younger and not plagued by ill health, he surely would have gone on to be a major film actor. Casting is obviously key to the success of the new film. Ideally, McCall would be played by a tough Brit in his 50s with the acting ability and commercial clout to carry a big movie. The problem is - is there anyone who fits this criteria? Ironically enough, I think that Daniel Craig has some of Woodward's flinty toughness and could see him in this role more than I can see him as Bond, even though he is somewhat young for it. Ultimately, I fear they may go for a big name and end up casting the likes of George Clooney, Mel Gibson, or Harrison Ford. Perhaps Gibson wouldn't be too bad.

[jaguar007]

I have fond memories of The Equalizer or "Call Grandad" as it was jokingly known on set. Does anyone remember him shooting the bad guy with a hallucinatory dart, followed by his powerful "I will NOT forgive!" speech? I particularly enjoyed the way he used to set off after guys half his age with that laboured trot of his, and then catch them even though it was obvious he couldn't catch a tortoise on crutches.


The episode you refer to is "Lady Cop" and the guy he was saying that towas a young Bill Paxton.

While the idea of anyone other than Woodward being Mc Call is difficult to swallow, I would love the movie to be made just so Universal would release The Equalizer on DVD. I have just about every episode on old crappy VHS tapes, but that would be my #1 choice for anything to come out on DVD. When the show ran I was in hight school and it was my #1 favorite show. To this day I still drive Jaguars - and I first fell in love with them watching the Equalizer. Next to The Saint(I also have a P- 1800), it is my all time favorite.

[Bond Bombshell]

The episode you refer to is "Lady Cop" and the guy he was saying that towas a young Bill Paxton.

Thanks for that info Jag, I didn't realise that was Paxton. I was looking through the guest cast listings on IMDB, and noticed some interesting guest stars, some of whom I remember and some I do not. For instance - Kevin Spacey, Christian Slater, John Goodman, William H Macy, Macauley Culkin, Laurence Fishburne, Telly Savalas and Ving Rhames. (I can't think what those last two have in common. ) There were also appearances by Bond bad guys Joseph Wiseman (Dr No) and Robert Davi (Licence To Kill), as well as ex Avenger Linda Thorson. But I'm sure you know all of this already!

Edited by Bond Bombshell, 03 December 2005 - 05:23 AM.

[jaguar007]

The episode you refer to is "Lady Cop" and the guy he was saying that towas a young Bill Paxton.

Thanks for that info Jag, I didn't realise that was Paxton. I was looking through the guest cast listings on IMDB, and noticed some interesting guest stars, some of whom I remember and some I do not. For instance - Kevin Spacey, Christian Slater, John Goodman, William H Macy, Macauley Culkin, Laurence Fishburne, Telly Savalas and Ving Rhames. (I can't think what those last two have in common. ) There were also appearances by Bond bad guys Joseph Wiseman (Dr No) and Robert Davi (Licence To Kill), as well as ex Avenger Linda Thorson. But I'm sure you know all of this already!

Oddly enough, the only one I can't remember is Robert Davi. I rewatched the episode with Kevin Spacey not too long ago.

Patrick Stewart might make a decent Mc Call these days. He has that similar British commanding presence.

[Bond Bombshell]

Oddly enough, the only one I can't remember is Robert Davi.

The Robert Davi episode is one I do remember. He played an unscrupulous boss who was prepared to murder, in order to prevent two window cleaners forming a trade union. Must have been good training ground for Sanchez.

[jaguar007]

Oddly enough, the only one I can't remember is Robert Davi.

The Robert Davi episode is one I do remember. He played an unscrupulous boss who was prepared to murder, in order to prevent two window cleaners forming a trade union. Must have been good training ground for Sanchez.

Thanks for the reminder, I do remember that episode clearly now.

[dinovelvet]

Ideally, McCall would be played by a tough Brit in his 50s with the acting ability and commercial clout to carry a big movie. The problem is - is there anyone who fits this criteria?

Erm...Pierce Brosnan?

[Bill]

This is great news.

The Equalizer is my favorite TV show from the 1980s. It started when I was a senior in high school. I taped every episode, and when I got to college, my friends and I watched all of the first season many times, and never missed an episode during the entire run. Watching the show the way we did, some times four or five episodes in a row, we picked up on things that the casual viewer would never have, such as him wearing the same shirt in practically every show.

I am with most of you in that I do think it will be damn near impossible to replace Edward Woodward. I guess that realistically he would be too old to play the just retired McCall.

Of course, this does not mean that a feature film has to be an origin story, so to speak. It could pick up present day after the events of the show.

I realize that that would be unlikely, particularly if it was a feature film rather then a TV movie. Still, if so, perhaps the Maverick route would work, as if I recall correctly, Mel Gibson played the character that James Garner played in the TV series' son, with Garner himself reprising the role of the TV show. And one of the early drafts for the Saint film comes to mind, which would have featured Roger Moore returning to investigate the death of a woman with a young man who was the woman's son. During the course of the film, it would have been revealed that he was Simon Templar's son as well, and would take over the mantle of the Saint by film's end. While I enjoyed the Val Kilmer film, the film from that script, with perhaps Pierce Brosnan as the younger man would have been SO much better.

I realize that the premise of the Equalizer would make the younger and older versions far more difficult to pull off then the above mentioned, but it is so hard to think of another McCall. Having Edward Woodward play Control is an interesting idea, but not one that makes much sense if you take into account the fact that in the show they did not appear to be superior/subordinate but rather two colleagues of more or less equal footing, particulary as they were around the same age.

Still, as both Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton are now around the age that Woodward was when The Equalizer started, they would be my first two choices. If not, then I do not really know who--except he should be British, as McCall was half British and half American.

Still, I would much rather see the whole series released on DVD with some audio commentary from the cast and crew, particularly Edward Woodward, and perhaps some of the guest cast. Aside from all the talent mentioned on the postings here, there are plenty of other actors who are household names today who were on the show.

Bill

[Bond Bombshell]

Ideally, McCall would be played by a tough Brit in his 50s with the acting ability and commercial clout to carry a big movie. The problem is - is there anyone who fits this criteria?

Erm...Pierce Brosnan?

As Rog once said when told to hang onto that cable car, "The thought did occur to me!". Obviously, Brosnan isn't a Brit, but I think by now he's proved he can play one. I was reluctant to mention him for fear of starting up the old pro and anti Bros arguments. However, having given the subject much thought I have failed to come up with anyone more suitable. The trouble is we Brits have our older statesmen (Connery, Caine, Hopkins) and our younger bucks (McGregor, Grant, Fiennes, Law, Bloom) but nobody in-between in the 50s age range. I doubt whether an unknown would be cast in a film like this, so perhaps an older, craggier, silver haired Brosnan is the answer.

[Tarl_Cabot]

GOT A PROBLEM?
ODDS AGAINST YOU?
CALL THE EQUALIZER!

The Equalizer (Robert McCall) is a former agent of a shadowy, unnamed government agency, who is trying to make up for the unspoken sins of his past. His atonement comes in the form of an advertisement in the New York Yellow Pages that features the above quote. McCall uses his finely honed skills, and occasionally, the agents and resources from his old agency, to combat the injustices perpetrated against those who can't seek protection from the law. He battles corrupt politicians, abusive husbands, greedy corporate executives, stalkers, kidnappers and gangsters to avenge those who are helpless. Sometimes, McCall's past comes back to haunt him when spies and international terrorists set foot in New York City and his former employer drags him back in to help track them down.

In McCall's dark world, few people can be trusted. One man he always relies on is his former fellow agent, Mickey Kostmayer, who often assists McCall in his cases. Another is his former boss, a man known only as, Control, who pulls government strings to give McCall a hand when he can.

British actor Edward Woodward plays Robert McCall to perfection, bringing a dark undercurrent of anger and sorrow to the man while still allowing his compassion for the downtrodden to show through. The series ran for four years on CBS, premiering in 1985 and ending in 1989.

[jaguar007]

Ideally, McCall would be played by a tough Brit in his 50s with the acting ability and commercial clout to carry a big movie. The problem is - is there anyone who fits this criteria?

Erm...Pierce Brosnan?

Brosnan is totally wrong for The Equalizer. He still comes off as suave, charming etc, not at all like Robert McCall. I think of the former Bonds, Connery could well pull it off and perhaps Dalton.

The Equalizer needs to be a man that appears elderly (not Brosnan) and has a commanding presance and voice (again, not Brosnan). My top pics would be Patrick Stewart or Anthony Hopkins.

[WC]

Ideally, McCall would be played by a tough Brit in his 50s with the acting ability and commercial clout to carry a big movie. The problem is - is there anyone who fits this criteria?

Erm...Pierce Brosnan?

As Rog once said when told to hang onto that cable car, "The thought did occur to me!". Obviously, Brosnan isn't a Brit, but I think by now he's proved he can play one. I was reluctant to mention him for fear of starting up the old pro and anti Bros arguments. However, having given the subject much thought I have failed to come up with anyone more suitable. The trouble is we Brits have our older statesmen (Connery, Caine, Hopkins) and our younger bucks (McGregor, Grant, Fiennes, Law, Bloom) but nobody in-between in the 50s age range. I doubt whether an unknown would be cast in a film like this, so perhaps an older, craggier, silver haired Brosnan is the answer.

Well, I did mention Victor Garber, as an in-between, middle-aged Brit.

Edited by Welshcat, 05 December 2005 - 10:40 PM.

[TheSaint]

This thread has certainly picked up some steam since I started it.

First off, it was Will Patton as Officer Nick Braxton that McCall was bouncing off a wall shouting "I do not forgive!" in "Lady Cop", not Bill Paxton.

I could definitely see either Sam Neill or Dalton as the new Equalizer but, I don't see Dalton accepting if it was offered to him. Pierce isn't old enough. At this point in the game, I wouldn't want Sean anywhere near this film.

I have the whole run on videotape but, am chomping at the bit for a dvd release because when I was taping it, I didn't have cable, and CBS was one station which we got bad reception at the time. In order to get better reception I had to, I kid you not, hold the antenna with my hand while I was recording it. I also have the soundtrack.

As an aside to James St.John Smythe, who said "i think edward woodward is brownbread, so i wouldnt paln on seeing him in a cameo sun shine", how about some cordiality? To quote Art Carney as Ed Norton, "I got a friendlier greeting from my draft notice."

[delfloria]

Having worked with Sloan and having taken time to talk to him about the creation of the Equalizer he told me that the show was created for George Lazenby to star in.(who is an old friend of his) As things sometime work out Lazenby was not able to do the show and Woodward was chosen as his replacement. George eventually guest starred in another Sloan creation "The Master".

[Justice]

Ian McShane might be a possible choice.

Justice