In The Equalizer 2, Denzel Washington returns as Robert McCall, a retired CIA black ops operative that doles out vigilante justice with ruthless efficiency and remorseless brutality. For this sequel film, the first of Denzel Washington's career, trained killer Robert McCall starts out as an unassuming Lyft driver before once again finding himself unable to ignore seeing people hurt. While you would imagine that such a role required some physical training, you might be surprised to hear that to prepare for the film Denzel Washington had to learn how to use Lyft.
Transportation network companies like Lyft and Uber have become ubiquitous in recent years, so much so that it seems like everyone knows what they are and how to use them to get a ride. But Denzel Washington had never actually used such a service prior to The Equalizer 2. That meant that he had to learn about how it all worked to prepare for his role in the film where he plays one driver you really don't want to get mouthy with. So according to Parade, the actor met with some Lyft drivers to get acquainted with the app itself and the terminology associated with the service like what a five-star rating means.
I imagine that must have been a fun day for some lucky Lyft drivers; instead of picking up drunks you get to explain your job to 2-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington to help him prepare for a role. He apparently did not go full method though and spend a week cruising around as a Lyft driver, although I'm sure his ratings would have all been five stars, unless a fare really didn't like The Book of Eli.
While ride sharing applications like Lyft and Uber have become commonplace for many of us, I guess Denzel Washington simply never needed it. And as with anything in life, you don't know how to do something until you try. Although there are potentially plenty of downsides to these apps, so you can't blame Washington for avoid them altogether. Would you want to wait on a ride with the potential for a driver who drives too slow, plays terrible music or doesn't follow the GPS? Not if you could help it.
While you or I might be stoked for Denzel Washington to be our Lyft driver, some bad guys in The Equalizer 2 will be less than thrilled about it, judging by the latest trailer. The sequel film sees Robert McCall punishing those who prey on the weak and will show just how merciless he can be when its someone he loves that is hurt.
The Equalizer 2, from director Antoine Fuqua, cruises into theaters on July 20th. Check out all of this year's biggest movies in our release schedule.
