“Oldboy” Theatrical Poster
Lionsgate Television is teaming up with Park Chan-wook (Thirst, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance) for an English-language series adaptation of the director’s own 2003 cult masterpiece, Old Boy, which itself was based on Garon Tsuchiya’s manga of the same name.
The movie followed Oh Deasu (Choi Min-sik), who wakes up only to find himself locked in a room for 15 years, until he finally wakes up in the same place he was abducted from a decade and a half earlier. What follows is a phone call as his first clue as to the identity of his abductor and the reason for his incarceration. In his search for revenge, he falls in love with a younger woman which becomes a key element in his twisted story.
In 2013, Old Boy was the subject of an English-language Hollywood film from director Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing) that starred Josh Brolin (Sicario), Elizabeth Olsen (Avengers: Infinity War), and Sharlto Copley (Monkey Man).
“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,” shared Scott Herbst, EVP and Head of Scripted Development, Lionsgate Television. “This series adaptation of Oldboy will feature the raw emotional power, iconic fight scenes and visceral style that made the film a classic” (via Deadline).
We’ll keep you updated on the Old Boy series as we learn more.
Many years ago, I bought the Region 1 steel collector’s edition which came with the manga. I still haven’t read it yet, but maybe this series will adapt what wasn’t in the original movie.
I do wish we got the fully uncut version of Spike Lee’s adaptation.