Now that he is no longer helming the sequel to Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the Hollywood is director Rupert Wyatt's oyster. Not only is he coming off a movie that made $481 million at the global box office, Rise was also a smash hit with critics and was one of the best reviewed movies to come out during the summer of 2011, which combined has made Wyatt one of the most sought after filmmakers working right now. Since opting out of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes back in September, he has already signed on to direct two new projects, and now it looks as though he may be ready to add a third.
The Hollywood Reporter has gotten word that Wyatt is now in talks to direct The Equalizer, the upcoming adaptation of the 80s action series that is set to star Denzel Washington. Earlier reports said that Drive filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn was in line to helm the project, but had conflicts with the star over the direction of the movie. The original series followed a retired intelligence officer (played by Robert McCall) who would help powerless individuals solve their problems. The trade says that the movie version will feature the character "living a quiet life while working at a Home Depot, when one of his acts of kindness gets him embroiled with the Russian mob." In addition to Wyatt, Peter Berg was also being considered for the gig.
Sony is excited about the prospects of an Equalizer film, so it will be interesting to see how the project could affect Wyatt's schedule. He is currently attached to direct the thriller Agent 13 with Charlize Theron and the WWII love story Birdsong with Nicholas Hoult.
