“A Bittersweet Life” Korean Theatrical Poster
Back in 2012, it was reported that Albert Hughes, one half of the Hughes Brothers (Book of Eli), was tapped by Fox to do an English-language remake of Kim Jee-woon’s 2005 Korean film A Bittersweet Life.
In 2017, the studio shifted to Jennifer Yuh Nelson (Kung Fu Panda 2-3) helming the remake with Michael B. Jordan (Creed) attached to star. These plans, also fizzled.
Now, nearly 8 years later, the remake is back in motion, this time with Netflix and Chernin Entertainment steering the ship. Deadline reports that Kevin McMullin has been tapped to script a remake of A Bittersweet Life. The writer is perhaps best known for his short story Bomb, which 20th Century Fox is adapting into a Ridley Scott film. There is currently no director or stars attached to the remake.
The original A Bittersweet Life was a breakout hit for director Kim Jee-woon (The Age of Shadows), who has since become internationally known in the wake of I Saw the Devil, as well as his 2013 Hollywood debut The Last Stand, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. A Bittersweet Life revolved around a mob enforcer (Lee) tasked with keeping an eye on his boss’ mistress.
We’ll keep you you updated on the remake as we learn more. Until then, here’s the Trailer for the original, which is currently available at Goodie Emporium:
I would feel better about this if an auteur type of film maker or someone who’s just very creative was attached. Fernando Meirelles, Taylor Sheridan, Wayne Kramer, Stephen Fung, and Jeremy Saulnier are just a few people at the top of my head.
The right actor would need to star. Someone who can come across as really cool without over doing it. Michael B Jordan would have been interesting. It would be a great Hollywood debut for Bren Foster. Dan Stevens seems like he’d have the right look.
I just hope whoever else jumps aboard knows what made the original so good, or else it won’t be worth doing.