Paramount Pictures has appointed James Wan to direct the English-language remake of the acclaimed South Korean film The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil. The project centers on a crime boss and a police officer who team up to capture a serial killer, continuing the story’s intense blend of crime and suspense.
Original Film Background and Cast Return
The original 2019 film, directed and written by Won-Tae Lee, was a major success in South Korea, earning $24.8 million and topping the box office during its opening weekend. Although it had a limited release in the U.S. through Well Go USA, it gained critical attention after its screening at the Cannes Film Festival that same year. Don Lee, also known as Ma Dong-seok, who played the mob boss in the original, will return to reprise his role in the remake.
Creative Team and Production Details
Academy Award-winning writer Brian Helgeland drafted the original screenplay and will serve as an executive producer for the remake, while Shay Hatten is adapting the script. James Wan and Michael Clear are producing through Atomic Monster, with Don Lee producing via his Big Punch Global label. Other producers include Sylvester Stallone and D. Matt Geller from Balboa Productions, Chris Lee representing B&C Group, and Jang Won-seok, CEO of BA Entertainment.
Plot Elements and Story Dynamics
The film’s narrative follows a police officer and a crime boss who, driven by their own motives, form an uneasy alliance to hunt down a serial killer. Their pursuit involves various double-crosses and strategic battles, both between criminals and law enforcement, as well as gang conflicts, adding layers of tension and action to the story.
“tells of 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 Hollywood Reporter
Industry Representation and Future Outlook
James Wan is represented by CAA, Stacey Testro International, and Myman Greenspan Fox. Helgeland’s representation includes WME and several agencies such as Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick. Shay Hatten is signed with CAA and other firms including Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Feldman, Rogal, Shikora & Clark. With the experienced creative team and established producers involved, the remake holds potential to introduce the intense narrative of the South Korean hit to a wider international audience.
