James Wan to set to direct his first feature film since the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 2023, as THR reports that he’s signed on to helm an English-language remake of The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil for Paramount Pictures.
What’s it All About?
The original movie is a Korean film directed by Lee Won-tae, which was released in 2019. It follows a “police officer and a crime boss who reluctantly team-up to track down a serial killer. With each having their own motives to capture the killer, double-crosses and cat-and-mouse games ensue, along with a heaping helping of police versus criminals and gang versus gang action.“
The film starred Don Lee, best known for his breakthrough performance in Train to Busan, as the gangster. The report notes that he’s also attached to star in the English-language remake. Interesting.
Shay Hatten (John Wick) is writing the script based on a draft from Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential). In addition to directing, Wan will also produce through his Atomic Monster production banner with Michael Clear. Other producers include Lee via Big Punch Global, Sylvester Stallone and D. Matt Geller via Balboa Productions, Chris Lee of B&C Group, and Jang Won-seok, CEO of BA Entertainment.
Wan is Also Involved in the Saw Reboot
After it was announced that Blumhouse Productions had acquired the rights to the Saw franchise from Twisted Pictures, it was quickly revealed that series creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell would be involved. The pair haven’t had much to do with the franchise since Saw III, which was released twenty years ago.
Blumhouse founder Jason Blum has said that Wan will be “hugely involved” in the reinvention of the new Saw movie.
In his own statement, Wan said, “Saw holds a special place in my heart. Coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal. For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the Saw franchise for the first time since the early days, and I’m very much looking forward to embracing the original spirit whilst pushing the legacy forward in bold, unexpected ways.“
