Filmmaker Antoine Fuqua has signed a new first look deal with Sony Pictures, which will get underway with the Denzel Washington sequel The Equalizer 2, followed by an adaptation of Jeffrey Haas’ book The Assassination Of Fred Hampton: How The FBI And The Chicago Police Murdered A Black Panther.
Fuqua has long been keen on on telling the story of Fred Hampton, a Black Panthers revolutionary who was assassinated while sleeping at his apartment during a raid by the Chicago Police Department and FBI in December 1969, with his death later ruled a justifiable homicide. A script for the project is ready to go, penned by Chris Smith.
“I started my feature film career almost 20 years ago at Columbia,” said Fuqua. “Since then some of my biggest career achievements have been with the studio. I am proud of our work together and am very much looking forward to this new collaboration and our upcoming creative endeavors.”
“[Fuqua] is simply cool,” added Sanford Panitch of Columbia Pictures. “He is the definition of a modern filmmaker who has mastered the mix of visual dramatic storytelling and strong characters. He makes films that are meant to be seen in movie theaters. We couldn’t be happier to work with him next on The Equalizer 2 – the first sequel that either he or Denzel has ever made.”
The Equalizer 2 is set for release on September 14th 2018.