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Equalizer No.1

Help cast Paul 'Gangster No.1' McGuigan's film version of 'The Equaliser'.

Feb 17 2006

I recently caught up with director Paul McGuigan to discuss his new film, 'Lucky Number Slevin', and while that feature will go up next week, I've got a titbit of news I can announce today.

McGuigan, who helmed the brilliant 'Gangster No.1' as well as 'The Acid House' and 'Wicker Park', has just been signed up to direct the forthcoming film version of TV series 'The Equalizer'.

When The TOMB first covered this project a couple of months ago (click here for that story), debate was rife in the office as to who should play the title role, with everyone from Christopher Eccleston to Ray Winstone to Jeremy Irons being suggested.

And having yet to cast the role himself, McGuigan said he was intrigued to hear who Time Out readers think should step into Edward Woodward's shoes.

So here's your chance to help cast a Hollywood movie – post your ideas and comments below and let's help find the next 'Equalizer'.

User comments on this story

M.Anthony said...

I have to agree with most of the ladies here, CIARAN HINDS would be excellent! Posted on Apr 19 2006 02:42

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Plantagenet said...

Don't you see you're all speaking of McCall as if he were a real person instead of the creation of one man: Edward Woodward! It was Woodward who gave us and embodied this wonderfully intriguing, intelligent, morally passionate, three-dimensional character. The mere fact that you're all talking about McCall this is tribute to Woodward. He didn't just "play" McCall, he CREATED McCall. I have to agree, just issue the series on DVD. Never mind "remaking" it. If they insist on making a movie called "The Equalizer," then let the character be called something else. It will NOT be Robert McCall regardless of what outstanding British actor takes the role. McCall is Woodward's. Posted on Apr 14 2006 23:39

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MeganB said...

Ciaran Hinds "lacks sex appeal" (see above)?!!! Have you never seen "Rome", "Persuasion", ""Jane Eyre", "Getting Hurt"? I could go on....He's perfect for The Equalizer, and very sexy! Posted on Apr 12 2006 11:20

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mypoint99 said...

I believe David Hasselhoff will be too busy with the Knight Rider film and his talking car to fill Edward Woodward's shoes as the Equalizer. Oh well. I did not recall that the Equalizer had to be particularly sexy. Woodward played him as an assassin with a conscience. Mysterious, yes, and intriguing, of course. But sexy? When it comes to sexiness, though, Ciaran Hinds can smolder when he wants to, that is for sure :) Posted on Apr 12 2006 05:25

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Lisa said...

Ciaran Hinds all the way!!! What can I say along with all the other's that believe in this compasionate actor. I could go on and on, bottom line, "your loss" if you don't give him the role"!!!!! Posted on Apr 11 2006 18:22

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Christina said...

Ciaran Hinds is too old and lacks sex appeal. I suggest Hasslehoff. Posted on Apr 11 2006 14:49

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Beth said...

Ciaran Hinds would be my No.1 choice. Isn't it time e got the chance of a lead in a big movie? He's the best actor out there today, yet his work still doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Posted on Apr 11 2006 13:12

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Susanna said...

I agree - Ciaran Hinds would be great for the role! He has a wonderful screen presence that would make him a very empathetic McCall. Posted on Apr 11 2006 13:08

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Alicja said...

Ciaran is the best ! Posted on Apr 08 2006 20:26

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Claudia said...

Ciaran Hinds would be perfect! Posted on Apr 08 2006 15:47

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Ann said...

Ciaran Hinds without a doubt would be totally perfect for the role of Robert McCall. Great character actor in a part that calls for same. Posted on Apr 08 2006 03:55

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Priss said...

Gotta agree with the two comments before mine. Seems hard to think of anyone in the McCall roll other than Woodward. He was perfect!Patrick Stewart or Tom Wilkerson would be good. And ,hey when are we going to get the original TV series on DVD? It's way over due! Posted on Mar 31 2006 02:16

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Jennifer said...

Ciaran Hinds would be ideal! He has a knack for portraying a certain quiet, personal darkness that is evident in the McCall character. He's recognisable but not too well known, never overstated in his performances, and his range of expressions could very well evoke Woodward's brilliant original. Watch one episode of HBO's 'Rome' and you can see how effortlessly he could assume the McCall mantle. Now that it's come up, I already have trouble seeing anyone else in the part! Posted on Mar 27 2006 22:47

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BettanyFan said...

Some truly fine actors mentioned above. But NOBODY can fill EW's shoes in that role. Nobody. Don't try to "remake" it, just issue the damn show on DVD! Posted on Mar 17 2006 18:05

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Brenda said...

Count me in with the Ciaran crowd! Edward Woodward was very mature, intelligent , and strong in his portrayal, and Ciaran would definately portray these qualities as well. Many actors mentioned in the comments above would make fine co-stars, but Ciaran would make a great Robert McCall! Posted on Mar 15 2006 19:25

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