Lionsgate Television is partnering with renowned Korean filmmaker and television creator Park Chan-wook to develop his acclaimed film Oldboy for television. This marks the first English-language series adaptation of the iconic property.
Park, who directed and co-wrote the original film, is attached to produce the series along with producing partner Syd Lim.
Oldboy has earned numerous accolades, becoming the first South Korean film to win the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004 and being named to numerous lists of the greatest movies of all time. The movie was re-released by NEON last year for its 20th anniversary, landing in the top ten at the domestic box office in its opening week, a rare feat for a re-release.
Adapted from a Japanese manga of the same name, the film follows a man who is released from prison after 15 years, only to find that he must find his captor in five days. The film is part of Park’s Vengeance trilogy, which includes Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance.
One of world cinema’s most revered creative voices, Park is also known for directing The Handmaiden, Decision to Leave, for which he won Best Director at Cannes, Stoker and Thirst, and the film and television series Snowpiercer.
Now an accomplished creative force in television, he is producing and directing The Sympathizer, starring Robert Downey Jr., which just premiered on HBO.
“Lionsgate Television shares my creative vision for bringing Oldboy into the world of television,” said Park. “I look forward to working with a studio whose brand stands for bold, original, and risk-taking storytelling.”
“Park is one of the most visionary storytellers of our generation, and we’re excited to partner with him in bringing his cinematic masterpiece to the television screen,” said Scott Herbst, EVP and Head of Scripted Development, Lionsgate Television.
Herbst added: “This series adaptation of Oldboy will feature the raw emotional power, iconic fight scenes, and visceral style that made the film a classic.”
Executives Courtney Mock and Tara Joshi oversee the project for Lionsgate Television, and Bryan Weiser negotiated the deal. Park is represented by WME, Industry Entertainment, and Hansen, Jacobson, and Teller.
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills in 2018 to cover the latest news on streaming, movies, TV, and video games.