Earlier this week, I had the chance to speak with The Equalizer director Antoine Fuqua, and towards the end of our chat, the talk naturally drifted towards other projects he's working on. We reported in May that the filmmaker was attached to direct Narco Sub, which the late Tony Scott was once set to direct, that centers on illegal submersible ships used by cartels to smuggle narcotics. Just a few days later, we also reported that Antoine Fuqua is re-teaming with The Equalizer star Denzel Washington on The Magnificent Seven remake.

When I asked about the status of Narco Sub, Antoine Fuqua revealed that he isn't on board to direct anymore.

"No, Narco Sub, it doesn't look like I'm going to do it."

He confirmed that The Magnificent Seven is definitely his next project, adding that they're currently seeking actors to play the other six main characters alongside Denzel Washington. While he wouldn't offer any specific story details, the filmmaker teased that the remake will "have a different way in" than the original, but it will still feature the same type of characters and a familiar premise.

"Yeah, that's (The Magnificent Seven) where all of my attention is going. When I get back to L.A., I'll meet the casting team and start to get into it with the producers and everybody next week. Yeah, we're trying to find the other guys now, trying to find the other... six (Laughs). My biggest influence is Seven Samurai, that's what I really love. The Magnificent Seven I love as well, there are so many great actors in that movie. It's a different way in, but it's the same concept. It's not going to be something where people won't recognize it, for sure. There's certainly going to be the Yul Brynner type of role, the Steve McQueen, all those roles are there, and the town that needs help. It's a different way in on this one, and the writers did a great job working on it. I'm really excited about it."

The filmmaker also spoke about his upcoming boxing drama Southpaw, which stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a boxer whose personal life begins to crumble around him as he rises through the ranks. Here's what he had to say about the project, which is currently in post-production.

"Southpaw, we're editing that now and I'm excited. Jake Gyllenhaal, I think he's on the rise, and he's intense. We completely changed him into a championship boxer. It's a heartfelt drama about him and his daughter. It's really powerful."

When I asked when we might see the first trailer for Southpaw, the filmmaker revealed that Harvey Weinstein is aiming for December, but it might not be ready in time.

"Well, I know Harvey Weinstein wants to try and have something out by December, so I'm working hard on that. I don't know if I'm going to make that date, but I'm trying."

CLICK HERE for my full interview with Antoine Fuqua for The Equalizer, which hits theaters September 26.