Richard Wenk

Richard Wenk (born May 6, 1956) is an American film screenwriter and director best known for his work on The Equalizer film series (2014–2023).

Early life Wenk was born in 1956 in Metuchen, New Jersey. He graduated from Metuchen High School in 1974, and from the New York University Tisch School of the Arts in 1979. In 1998, he wrote and directed the film Just the Ticket. In 2002, he directed the slasher film Wishcraft. In 2006, he wrote the script for Richard Donner's last film 16 Blocks. In 2011, he wrote the action film The Mechanic. By 2012, he wrote Simon West's ensemble action film The Expendables 2. He would receive an "additional literary material" credit for his work.

In 2014, he signed on to write the action film The Equalizer and its two sequels. In 2016, he wrote the action films Countdown, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, and The Magnificent Seven. In 2017, he was hired to write the script and story for Renegades. In 2018, Wenk was hired to write the reboot of Universal Soldier. In 2021, he wrote the action thriller film The Protégé. In 2023, he wrote the action film Fast Charlie. In 2024, he wrote the superhero film Kraven the Hunter and the upcoming cop action film Lethal Weapon 5.

Filmography Year Title

Notes & ref. 1979 Dracula Bites the Big Apple Also producer 1986 Vamp 2014 The Equalizer 2021 The Protégé 2024 Kraven the Hunter 2026 Masters of the Universe "additional literary material" In 2025, for his work on Kraven the Hunter, he was nominated at the 45th Golden Raspberry Awards for "Worst Screenplay".