This film was based on a manga and has been widely seen as one of the best pieces of cinema made in the last 20 years. A "remake" of the film has been in the air for years; you remember the Steven Spielberg and Will Smith fiasco.
Mark Protosevich is said to have adapted the script from the Film by Park-Chan Wook, not from the original manga source.
Los Angeles (July 11, 2011) – Mandate Pictures announced today that Spike Lee (Inside Man) will direct OLDBOY, a remake of the highly-acclaimed South Korean film. Mark Protosevich has adapted the screenplay and will co-produce. Roy Lee and Doug Davison (The Departed, The Grudge) will produce. The film is a Vertigo Entertainment/40 Acres & A Mule Production. Mandate President Nathan Kahane will executive produce.
“It’s a great honor to put this special project into the hands of such a gifted writer and iconic director,” said Kahane.
OLDBOY tells the story of a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned on his daughter’s birthday. For fifteen years, he is held captive, and, upon his release, must begin his journey to find the reason for his imprisonment. He soon finds out that his kidnapper has plans for him more tortuous than his solitary confinement. The original film, released in 2003, directed by Chan-wook Park won the Grand Prize Jury Award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.
Alot of animosity has been shown from fans of the original film, like me, and even more hatred will blossom after some time and the cast is announced. Worse case scenario? A white guy named Oh Daesu. Even worse than that? A B-list star trying to make a comeback with the thoughts of gaining our attention by acting in a hot-topic film project. We'll see how this turns out.