Liam Neeson Calls Equalizer Series ‘Brilliant’ – Why He Loves Denzel Washington’s Action Legacy

Liam Neeson, known for his iconic action roles such as Taken (2008) and Schindler’s List (1993), has expressed admiration for Denzel Washington’s Equalizer films, particularly for their blend of intense action and emotional depth. In a 2022 interview with SlashFilm, Neeson described his fondness for the Equalizer series, stating, “Love those ‘Equalizer’ films. I mean, Antoine Fuqua, love those movies.” This statement highlights Neeson’s genuine appreciation for Washington’s portrayal of Robert McCall, a retired spy who uses his skills to help those in need.

Shared Ground in the Action Genre

Both Neeson and Washington have cemented their legacies as action icons, with their respective filmographies often featuring older protagonists capable of handling intense physical and emotional challenges. Neeson’s Taken series and Washington’s Equalizer films are frequently compared for their themes of vengeance, justice, and personal redemption. In fact, a 2018 Forbes article remarked that with The Equalizer 2, Washington had entered “Liam Neeson territory,” underscoring the shared space these actors occupy in the world of late-career action stardom.

Neeson’s admiration for Washington, as evidenced in multiple interviews, suggests that the two actors not only share a professional respect but also a deep understanding of the demands and nuances of their respective roles. In the SlashFilm interview, Neeson lauded Washington’s ability to portray a character who balances strength with vulnerability, adding a layer of complexity to the Equalizer films that sets them apart from traditional action fare.

A Mutual Respect Between the Two

The mutual respect between Neeson and Washington has been consistently highlighted in the media. A 2022 article from ScreenRant reinforced Neeson’s admiration for Washington, particularly regarding the Equalizer films. Neeson, who himself has become a staple of action cinema, praised Washington not only as an action star but as an actor who brings considerable depth to his roles. This sentiment was echoed in other articles, including one from Kino.de, a German publication, which noted Neeson’s fondness for the Equalizer series.

Washington’s ability to blend his tough-guy persona with moments of introspection and vulnerability seems to resonate with Neeson, whose own career has followed a similar trajectory, often balancing high-octane action roles with deeply emotional performances.

Lack of Recent Public Discussion

While Neeson’s praise for Washington’s Equalizer films was vocal in 2022, recent interviews and public statements, particularly in 2024 and 2025, have not revisited this topic. A search for any new comments on the Equalizer series yielded little information, as the focus in recent interviews has primarily been on Neeson’s own projects and his contemplation of retiring from action roles. Articles from Variety and Deadline in October 2024 speculated about Neeson’s potential retirement by the end of 2025 but did not mention the Equalizer films.

Additionally, a search on X (formerly Twitter) did not reveal any recent comments from Neeson about the Equalizer movies, suggesting that while his admiration remains, it has not been publicly reiterated in recent years. Nevertheless, the consistency of Neeson’s 2022 statements, along with the professional context of their shared action stardom, implies that his appreciation for Washington’s work in the Equalizer series remains intact.

Conclusion

Liam Neeson’s admiration for Denzel Washington’s Equalizer films reflects not only a personal appreciation for Washington’s performances but also a professional recognition of a fellow action star who excels in bringing both strength and depth to his roles. While Neeson’s praise has not been reiterated in recent years, the foundation of their mutual respect and admiration within the action genre remains clear. As both actors continue to shape their careers, their shared influence on action cinema is undeniable, with Washington’s Equalizer series standing as a testament to his lasting impact in the genre, much like Neeson’s own body of work.