Weinstein Company picks up The Equalizer

The Weinstein Company has acquired the rights to develop and produce a feature film based on the original hit television series "The Equalizer" in which Robert McCall, a veteran covert operative seeking redemption for his darker exploits, quits a CIA-like agency and puts an advertisement in the newspaper that reads; Got a problem? Odds against you? Call The Equalizer.  The announcement was made today by Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company.

Mace Neufeld ("The Sum of All Fears," "Sahara" and  "Clear and Present Danger"), Tony Eldridge and Michael Sloan will serve as producers on the film. The rights were acquired from Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim, the original creators of the television series "The Equalizer."  Eric Robinson and Brenden Deneen will oversee production on behalf of The Weinstein Company.  No director or cast has been attached to the project yet.

Harvey Weinstein stated, "The Equalizer was one of my favorite TV series in the 1980's because the writing was always smart and very unpredictable.  I am really excited about developing and producing this film."

Michael Sloan said, "Tony Eldridge and I are thrilled to be working with two legendary filmmakers like Harvey Weinstein and Mace Neufeld. The Equalizer is a character we believe will resonate strongly with today's audience; a man of style and compassion using skills as an ex-covert agent to help ordinary people in trouble."

Mace Neufeld said, "I have been looking for a big franchise series to follow-up on my Tom Clancy films.  The Equalizer perfectly fills the bill." The original hit television drama series "The Equalizer" starred Edward Woodward and Robert Lansing and ran on CBS from 1985-1989. Eric Roth, executive vice president and co-head of business and legal affairs for The Weinstein Company negotiated the deal on behalf of The Weinstein Company.