What difference is one American Gangster over another, anyway?

Denzel Washington – and not Russell Crowe as originally reported – will play The Equalizer in a feature film version of the classic ’80s TV show.

The “Safe House” star will snag a sumly $20 million to play the role made famous by Edward Woodward. Filming begins in April on the Sony tentpole.

While no director is set, the studio are said to be talking to a number of filmmakers including Pierre Morel, Nicolas Winding Refn, Gavin O’Connor and Gareth Evans.

Deadline says :

The film is loosely based on the TV series that starred Edward Woodward as a mysterious former covert operations officer who helps people in trouble, and was created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. The film has that basic premise but takes off in its own way, tailored to Washington’s skills. He’ll play a solitary, monastic figure who hates injustice and devotes himself to helping people who are being victimized.

Would’ve been great to have seen Russell in the role, in my opinion. You?