Loosely adapted from the Japanese manga of the same name, Park Chan-wook’s 2003 movie Oldboy turned into a cult classic right after its release. Narrating the tale of Oh Dae-su, who becomes obsessed with vengeance on his captors after being imprisoned for 15 years, the movie garnered critical success and positive reviews.
Later on, following in Park Chan-wook’s footsteps, Spike Lee came up with a 2013 remake, starring Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen. Unfortunately, Lee’s film turned into an atrocious remake, which deeply saddened fans of the original film.
However, decades later there appears hope for Chan-wook to redeem his Oldboy remake, as the director prepares for an English-language Oldboy TV series remake.
Spike Lee’s Atrocious Remake of Oldboy Starring Josh Brolin
Following the grand success of Park Chan-wook’s original 2003 thriller Oldboy, Spike Lee tried his hands on the remake of the Korean film, almost a decade later. Starring the likes of Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen, acclaimed filmmaker Lee believed his remake might turn into a cult classic like the original.
Unfortunately, despite narrating the same story of a captive, who finally breaks free after years of unreasonable imprisonment, to seek vengeance, Spike Lee’s movie failed to garner success.
As per DeadTalkNews, the 2013 remake butchered the original version and turned out to be an atrocious take on Park Chan-wook’s original version.
While Park Chan-wook’s 2003 Oldboy received an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, Spike Lee‘s 2013 remake only earned 39%. Disappointing fans with his desire to bring the film to America by remaking it in English, Lee failed to live up to fans’ expectations.
Although there were similarities and differences, and Lee’s version certainly entertained people, the movie overall butchered the original film.
Park Chan-wook Working to Redeem the 2013 Oldboy Remake
However, now, there seems to be a way for Park Chan-wook to finally redeem Josh Brolin’s remake, as Lionsgate Television partnered with him to put a new spin on his hit revenge thriller Oldboy. According to THR, Chan-wook is set to develop a series version of his 2003 movie, partnering with Lionsgate.
“Lionsgate Television shares my creative vision for bringing Oldboy into the world of television. I look forward to working with a studio whose brand stands for bold, original, and risk-taking storytelling.” Chan-wook shared.
Further, it has been reported that the project will be in the English language, and this upcoming series adaptation will feature “raw emotional power, iconic fight scenes, and visceral style”. As per Lionsgate Television’s EVP and Head of Scripted Development, Scott Herbst,
“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. This series adaptation of Oldboy will feature the raw emotional power, iconic fight scenes, and visceral style that made the film a classic.”
😭😭 i guess since Park is involved it’s better, but why
— Craig (@CS11__) April 17, 2024
I mean if Park is involved, that’s a good sign
— Truly Pete (72%)👽 🔜 Some Rave Eventually (@AStateofPete) April 17, 2024
Park makes any project a little bit better.
— Stanley tamz (@StanleyTamz) April 17, 2024
"An English language 'Oldboy' TV series remake is in the works."
Please no… God no. Remember what happened last ti—
"Park Chan-wook will produce the series."
Let him cook. https://t.co/qtBW8vwryu
— Yoko Higuchi (@theYokoHiguchi) April 17, 2024
Learning about how Lionsgate Television partnered with Park Chan-wook for the TV series remake, fans got finally excited to see the upcoming project in the right hands. Hopeful about the potential show, fans expressed their excitement on social media.
Oldboy 2003 is available on Netflix.
Oldboy 2013 is on Amazon Prime.
