Summary
- Director Antoine Fuqua states that a Training Day prequel is unlikely to happen, as it would require Denzel Washington's participation.
- Fuqua expresses that a Training Day prequel without Washington wouldn't be the same, as it would lack the excitement and impact of his performance.
- The interest in a Training Day prequel may have waned over the years, making it unlikely for the project to move forward after more than two decades.
The time for a Training Day prequel has ed, according to a new update from the movie’s director Antoine Fuqua. Originally released in 2001, the crime drama has been helmed as one of Denzel Washington’s iconic roles, and it spawned a years-long creative relationship between Washington and Fuqua. The pair have collaborated on The Equalizer series, most recently with The Equalizer 3.
Unfortunately, a prequel to Training Day is not in the cards anymore. Speaking with Digital Spy, Fuqua stated that any Training Day prequel would hinge on Washington’s participation, which could have worked “when he was closer to that age.” Check out the full quote from Fuqua below:
“There was a time when a prequel for Training Day sounded interesting, but it would have had to be done with Denzel back then, when he was closer to that age. It would have been exciting what he did in Vegas. I just don’t think it would be the same without him."
"I’m not sure. It’s still good over evil, no matter what. No matter how seductive evil can be, you still make the right choices, but the world has changed.”
The History Of Training Day’s Proposed Prequel Explained
Fuqua’s commentary may dismay audiences who were expecting a Training Day prequel after a previous announcement. Back in 2019, Warner Bros. was reportedly in talks to develop a prequel for Training Day. According to this report, Pawn Sacrifice writer Nick Yarboruogh was set to write the script. Fuqua had not been attached to the project, nor had the Training Day prequel set another director.
The prequel would have followed star Alonzo Harris ten years before the events in the original Training Day. Even in 2019, Washington was likely not in the running for the role – without the use of significant de-aging CGI – and no actors were attached to the project. Washington’s actor son John David Washington was then rumored to assume his father’s role by playing Alonzo’s younger self, but nothing was ever confirmed.
Fuqua’s newest update seems like the nail in the coffin for any Training Day prequel. While Fuqua is certainly biased to say that a Training Day-based movie necessitates Washington’s participation, he has a point that the interest in a Training Day prequel may have dwindled. Over two decades ago, Training Day played a pivotal role for Washington, and those interested in Alonzo’s narrative may have been willing to delve into his story more. Now, unfortunately, a Training Day prequel would be 22 years too late.
Source: Digital Spy
