Queen Latifah Opens Up About What Makes Robyn McCall Her Most Complex Role Yet!

Queen Latifah’s portrayal of Robyn McCall in The Equalizer is a standout role that blends high-octane action with deep personal stakes. As an ex-CIA operative turned vigilante, McCall takes on those who have been denied justice, standing up for the marginalized and powerless. Latifah’s thoughtful insights into her character not only reveal her passion for the role but also her commitment to bringing a relatable and multifaceted woman to the screen.

Robyn McCall: A Vigilante with Purpose

Latifah describes Robyn McCall as someone who, though skilled and tough, is deeply motivated by a sense of injustice in the world. In an interview with TV Insider, she explained, “We see so many people with money and power doing whatever the hell they want. You watch a story on the news and say, ‘Someone should do something about that.’ That’s Robyn McCall.” This captures McCall’s essence as a vigilante, fighting against systemic inequality and injustice. The character’s pursuit of justice resonates deeply with contemporary societal issues, where many feel powerless against the systems that oppress them.

Robyn’s story is one of redemption and the constant quest for balance, as she deals with both her former CIA life and her responsibilities as a single mother. This blend of action heroism and personal relatability makes her a compelling character for Latifah to portray.

The Duality of Robyn McCall: A Strong Woman with Vulnerabilities

While Robyn is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, Latifah emphasizes the importance of the character’s personal life and vulnerabilities. As a single mother, Robyn faces the challenges of raising her 15-year-old daughter while also navigating her role as a vigilante. Latifah remarked, “Robyn is not a superhero. She’s strong, cool, skilled, tough but empathetic — and completely thrown off balance when dealing with her 15-year-old.” This duality adds depth to the character, showing Robyn as a relatable figure who must balance the emotional complexities of being a mother with the dangerous, high-stakes world of a vigilante.

The challenges Robyn faces as a mother not only humanize her but also make her more relatable to audiences. She’s someone who has to constantly shift between her soldier persona and her role as a mom—a responsibility that adds emotional weight to her character and her actions.

Action and Enjoyment: Latifah’s Enthusiasm for the Role

Beyond the emotional depth of Robyn, Latifah is also energized by the physicality of the role. As an avid motorcyclist, Latifah enjoys the opportunity to embody Robyn’s toughness in action-packed scenes. “I love hopping on Robyn’s BMW and being part of the action, including shooting, running, fighting, and things exploding,” Latifah shared with TV Insider. Her enthusiasm for the action elements of the role showcases her commitment to making Robyn a dynamic and engaging character.

Latifah’s enjoyment of the physical aspects of the role speaks to her dedication to portraying a character that is both strong and nuanced. She relishes the opportunity to embody a character who is not just about muscle but is also a complex figure driven by empathy and a desire to help others.

Team Dynamics: A Shift from Previous Versions

One notable distinction between Robyn McCall and earlier versions of The Equalizer—most famously portrayed by Edward Woodward in the 1980s TV series and Denzel Washington in the 2014 movie—is her reliance on a team. Latifah’s Robyn works closely with a mentor, a sniper, and a hacker, which gives the show a more collaborative tone. “Not everything is end-of-the-world. We laugh and have fun,” Latifah said, emphasizing a lighter, more collaborative approach compared to the more solitary nature of the original character.

This shift in dynamic is significant. As Latifah pointed out, the previous iterations of the character—especially Washington’s portrayal—were much more stoic and solitary. “In Denzel’s version and the original version, those characters were much more stoic, more closed off. Robyn doesn’t have that luxury. She has a teenage daughter. She has to figure out how to turn off the soldier in her and turn on the mom,” she noted. This change reflects a more open, emotionally available character, allowing for greater exploration of relationships and emotional depth.

A Personal Connection: Rooted in Family and Social Impact

Latifah’s personal connection to Robyn McCall is also rooted in her own life experiences. Filming in her home state of New Jersey reminded her of the lessons her father, a police officer, taught her about respecting guns and standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. These values resonate deeply with Robyn’s character, who constantly fights for those who are wronged and denied justice.

Moreover, Latifah has acknowledged the significance of the show’s themes, particularly when it comes to the character’s commitment to helping others. She noted that her late mother, a teacher, would have been especially moved by Robyn’s efforts to help a young girl who had been wrongfully framed. This sense of social responsibility is one of the cornerstones of Robyn’s character, making her journey personal for both Latifah and the audience.

The Importance of Representation: A Black Woman in the Lead

The development of Robyn McCall as a Black woman is another significant aspect of Latifah’s portrayal. Executive producer Debra Martin Chase explained that Robyn was specifically created as a Black woman, which gives the character a layer of authenticity and relatability for audiences. Latifah herself has expressed her passion for the show’s inclusivity, as seen in its diverse cast and themes that resonate with modern social movements, such as Black Lives Matter.

This decision to feature a strong, empathetic Black woman as the lead underscores the importance of representation in media. It allows Latifah to bring her own experiences and values into the character, making Robyn not just a superhero-like figure but a woman who reflects the world we live in today.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Character with Depth

Through her portrayal of Robyn McCall, Queen Latifah brings a unique depth to the character, blending action, empathy, and real-world relevance. Her favorite aspect of playing Robyn seems to be the character’s journey—balancing the strength of a vigilante with the complexities of motherhood, all while fighting for those who have been wronged. Robyn is not just a fighter; she’s a deeply human character, shaped by her personal experiences and driven by a desire to help others. For Latifah, this multidimensional role has become one of her most significant and fulfilling performances, and it’s clear that Robyn McCall will remain a cherished character in her career.