Denzel Washingtonhad better watch his back, because even though King Kong ain’t got shit on him, the Queen just might! I’m mixing up my movie references, of course, but yeah… you saw the headline. You clicked on the story. CBS is developing a reboot ofThe Equalizer, the TV show-turned-movie that is being turned back into a TV show, and this time,Queen Latifahherself is going to be doing the equalizing.
That is… certainly something! And I mean, look at that photo above. Sure, it’s fromSet It Offwhich came out 23 years ago, but whatever! Would you mess with that woman? Me neither!
The project hails fromTake TwocreatorsAndrew MarloweandTerri Miller, who have come up with a new take on the character originated byEdward Woodwardon the small screen. And though the character will have a new name – Roberta McCall, perhaps? – Queen Latifah will still be playing an enigmatic figure who uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn. She has some big Denzel-sized shoes to fill, but if anyone’s going to try, it might as well be royalty.
CBS has given the newEqualizera pilot production commitment, and Queen Latifah will executive produce along with showrunners Marlowe and Miller, as well asJohn DavisandJohn Foxof Davis Entertainment,Debra Martin Chaseof Martin Chase Productions,Shakim Compereof Flavor Unit, andRichard Lindheim, who co-created the originalEqualizerTV series. Universal Television and CBS TV Studios are also producing, as the original series aired on CBS from 1985 to 1989, and was produced by Universal Television, which has prioritized a small screen reboot for the past several years, though dealmaking always proved difficult. With the right team in place, the project is finally moving forward.
Interestingly enough, Queen Latifah once played Denzel Washington’s caretaker inThe Bone Collector– a role that is written as a man inJeffery Deaver’s chilling series of books.The Equalizeris another example of Latifah reinventing a male character and putting her own spin on things. Coincidentally, NBC will debut aBone Collectoradaptation titledLincolnnext year.
Queen Latifah recently starred inGirls Tripand the TV seriesStar, and she also served as an executive producer onScream: The TV Series. She’s set to play Ursula inThe Little Mermaid Live!and she’ll also appear in the Hulu TV seriesWhen the Street Lights Go On. She’s represented by UTA, and you’re able to read Raeand New Line’s planned remake ofSet It Offbyclicking here.
