**James Wan is Reimagining a Korean Classic for Paramount Pictures**
James Wan, the mastermind behind such hit horror franchises as The Conjuring Universe, has embarked on a new project to direct and produce an English-language remake of the Korean movie The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil for Paramount Pictures. This marks the latest collaboration between Wan and the Skydance-owned studio, which has been recruiting top filmmakers since its acquisition last year.
Don Lee, also known as Ma Dong-seok and a star of the original movie, will reprise his role in the new project. Lee is attached to star alongside Wan, who is already producing the next installment in the Paranormal Activity franchise for Paramount. However, this action crime thriller could be Wan's first feature since Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 2023.
Wan will produce via his Blumhouse-Atomic Monster banner, with Michael Clear also joining as a producer. The duo joins an impressive list of producers, including Lee through 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.
The original movie, which premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, 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, the film delves into double-crosses, cat-and-mouse games, and intense police versus criminals and gang versus gang action. The movie starred Lee as the gangster, Kim Mu-yeol as the officer, and Kim Sung-kyu as the serial killer.
Shay Hatten, known for his work on the John Wick franchise and Rebel Moon movies, is writing the screenplay based on a draft from Brian Helgeland (A Knight's Tale, L.A. Confidential), who will serve as an executive producer. The studio picked up the rights in June 2022.
With Paramount securing high-profile creative partnerships through projects or first-look deals, Wan joins a growing list of esteemed filmmakers associated with the studio, including the Duffer Brothers, Jon M. Chu, James Mangold, Issa Rae, and Dan Trachtenberg. As a director, Wan boasts the rare distinction of having helmed two movies that have grossed over $1 billion worldwide - Furious 7 and Aquaman.
Represented by CAA, Stacey Testro International, and David Fox at Myman Greenspan, Wan continues to carve out a name in the film industry. Helgeland is represented by WME and Jackoway Austen, while Hatten is represented by CAA and Lichter Grossman. Lee is represented by Gersh.
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