Lionsgate is working with legendary Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook to create a series adaptation of his beloved action movie, Oldboy.
Park, who directed and co-wrote the original Oldboy, has joined the show as a producer along with his producing partner Syd Lim. Lionsgate has not announced a release date.
“Lionsgate Television shares my creative vision for bringing Oldboy into the world of television,” Park said in a statement. “I look forward to working with a studio whose brand stands for bold, original and risk-taking storytelling.”
Executives Courtney Mock and Tara Joshi will oversee the Oldboy series on behalf of Lionsgate Television. Although the original film went on to receive a movie retelling starring Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, and Samuel L. Jackson in 2013, this new project marks the first time the property has received an English-language series adaptation.
“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,” Lionsgate Television EVP and Head of Scripted Development Scott Herbst said. “This series adaptation of Oldboy will feature the raw emotional power, iconic fight scenes and visceral style that made the film a classic.”
Park’s Oldboy premiered in 2003 and tells a gripping revenge story based on the ‘90s manga, Old Boy. Alongside being an important moment for comic and manga readers, the early 2000s movie remains a milestone in action filmmaking to this day. Even if you haven’t seen the film yourself, there’s a good chance you’ve seen its iconic one-take hallway fight scene.
For more on Oldboy, be sure to check out our list of the 25 best comic book movies that don’t feature superheroes. Then be sure to read up on our original 2005 review of Park’s classic action flick.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.
