History of Training Day in Timeline

Training Day, a 2001 crime thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua, follows rookie LAPD officer Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) during a 24-hour evaluation with narcotics officer Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington) in gang-infested areas of Los Angeles. As the day progresses, Jake realizes Alonzo is deeply corrupt, engaging in illegal activities and manipulating situations to his advantage. Jake grapples with his conscience and the moral compromises required to survive, while Alonzo spirals further into criminality, ultimately facing the consequences of his actions. The film explores themes of police corruption, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

April 1992: Prequel set in April 1992

The Training Day prequel is set in late April 1992, two days before the Rodney King trial verdict and the associated L.A. riots.

September 11, 2001: Training Day soundtrack released

On September 11, 2001, the soundtrack to Training Day was released by Priority Records. It featured hit singles such as Nelly's "#1" and Dr. Dre and DJ Quik's "Put It on Me".

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September 21, 2001: Training Day release postponed

Training Day was originally scheduled for release on September 21, 2001, with a strong advertising push. However, following the September 11 attacks, the film's release was pushed back.

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October 5, 2001: Training Day released by Warner Bros.

On October 5, 2001, Training Day was released by Warner Bros. Pictures and received generally positive reviews. The film received numerous accolades and nominations, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for Denzel Washington.

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2001: Training Day film release

In 2001, Training Day, an American crime thriller film directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by David Ayer was released. The movie follows two LAPD narcotics officers in gang-ridden neighborhoods of Los Angeles. It stars Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke.

March 19, 2002: Training Day released on DVD and VHS

On March 19, 2002, Training Day was released on DVD and VHS.

2002: Eminem declines role to focus on 8 Mile

In 2002, Eminem was offered the role of Jake Hoyt in Training Day, but he turned it down to focus on preparing for 8 Mile (2002).

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June 2003: Alonzo Harris named greatest screen villain

In June 2003, the American Film Institute named Alonzo Harris the 50th greatest screen villain of all time in its list AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains.

August 1, 2006: Training Day released on Blu-ray

On August 1, 2006, Training Day was released on Blu-ray.

August 7, 2015: Antoine Fuqua develops Training Day television series

On August 7, 2015, it was announced that Antoine Fuqua had decided to develop a television series based on the movie, and had teamed with Jerry Bruckheimer to develop the concept.

August 14, 2015: CBS orders Training Day pilot

On August 14, 2015, CBS ordered a pilot for a Training Day television series, with Antoine Fuqua, Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Beall, and Jonathan Littman serving as executive producers.

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August 2015: Training Day television series announced

In August 2015, a television series based on the film Training Day, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, was announced.

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May 2016: CBS picks up Training Day series

In May 2016, CBS picked up the Training Day television series.

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December 2016: Filming for the first season completed

In December 2016, filming for the first season of the Training Day series had been completed.

February 2, 2017: Training Day television series premiered on CBS

On February 2, 2017, a television series based on the film Training Day premiered on CBS. Jerry Bruckheimer produced the show, which was eventually cancelled after one season. Only Noel Gugliemi, Tom Berenger and Raymond J. Barry reprised their roles.

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February 25, 2017: Death of Bill Paxton

Filming for the first season had been completed in December 2016, so the run was not affected by Paxton's death on February 25, 2017, two days after the fourth episode aired.

May 17, 2017: Training Day series cancelled

On May 17, 2017, Training Day was canceled the same week the season finale aired.

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October 2019: Warner Bros. developing Training Day prequel

In October 2019, it was reported that Warner Bros. was developing a prequel to Training Day.

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February 2022: Training Day prequel set to begin production

The Training Day prequel, named Training Day: Day of the Riot, was set to start production in California in February 2022.

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February 28, 2023: Training Day released on 4K Blu-ray

On February 28, 2023, a 4K Blu-ray version of Training Day was released.

November 2024: Training Day prequel still in development

As of November 2024, the Training Day prequel appears to be still in development.

July 2025: Training Day voted for "Readers' Choice" edition of The New York Times' list

In July 2025, Training Day was one of the films voted for the "Readers' Choice" edition of The New York Times' list of "The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century," finishing at number 250.