The second-coming of "The Equalizer" franchise, starring Denzel Washington, is up for an earlier theatrical release this July.

The action film's release, according to reports, has been moved for the third time. "The Equalizer 2's" original release was dated September of this year. But due to Sony's reshuffling, it was moved to a screening date of August the same year before ultimately landing its current scheduled outing in July.

Reports say that Sony's reshuffling of movie releases has to do with what movie is going to go against the action flick. Seeing as "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" is the only competition "The Equalizer 2" will be up against this coming July, Sony would be at an advantage in the box-office aspect since the two movies are of different genres.

While the details regarding "The Equalizer 2's" storyline are still being kept in the dark, reports confirm that alongside titular character Denzel Washington, actors Bill Pullman and Melissa Leo will be returning to the franchise as their characters from the first film. Pedro Pascal is also slated for a role in the film -- playing antagonist to Washington's role.

The first run of Sony's "The Equalizer" franchise focused on Mccall's (Denzel Washington), a retired CIA operative, and a young Russian sexworker's (Chloe Moretz) unlikely friendship. It takes a drastic turn when Moretz's character turns up at a hospital all battered and bruised, and all going down to Washington's character exacting revenge against the Russian mafia for the teenager.

Its first movie release in 2014 was a mix of critical reviews but, ultimately, it succeeded in the box-office earning $193.2 million worldwide.

"The Equalizer" series is actor Denzel Washington's first venture into the action film franchise. The second installment to the action thriller film series is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Richard Wenk, and is slated to come out in July.