DAKOTA FANNING THE EQUALIZER 3

When DAKOTA FANNING first worked with DENZEL WASHINGTON in the thriller Man on Fire, she was just nine years old.

- Dennis Cavernelis

Now in cinemas

Almost two decades later, reuniting with the Oscar-winning actor in The Equalizer 3 was, she says, a joy.

When Equalizer director Antoine Fuqua offered Dakota (29) the role of CIA agent Emma Collins in the final instalment of the series, it was simply too good to turn down, she says.

"I worked with Denzel on Man on Fire [2004] and his kids are really good friends of mine. I went to high school with one of his daughters and she is one of my best friends.

"I feel a deep connection to the whole family and to Denzel - I'm a massive fan of his - and so anything that Denzel is in I'm interested in seeing. I'm also a fan of Antoine's work and I love movies like Equalizer!"