Nicolas Winding Refn to direct Denzel Washington in 'The Equalizer' remake

Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn forged one of the great, unique partnerships with Ryan Gosling, which so far has produced the excellent indie Drive, and the upcoming Thai crime flick, Only God Forgives.  As critically well-received as Drive was, it didn't do much stateside, and Refn is still looking for that one hit film to solidify his place among the elite Hollywood directors. One sure way to do that is to helm Denzel Washington's next film.

THR reports that Refn will direct The Equalizer, a remake of the 1980s TV series about an ex-CIA operative who tries to make up for his past deeds by hiring himself out to people in desperate need of help. Got a problem? You call the Equalizer. Refn had been on a shortlist of possible directors released last year, but he didn't seem like the most available choice back then. Washington was confirmed for the lead role just a few months ago. 

After being eyed by Paul Haggis for a time, the script was ultimately written by Richard Wenk(16 Blocks), and this one's now on the fast track with production to begin next spring for release on April 11th 2014.