Lionsgate Television has partnered with Korean producer Park Chan-wook (Snowpiercer, The Sympathizer) to expand its Oldboy for television, marking the property’s first English-language series adaptation.
Oldboy, adapted from a Japanese song of the same name, is part of Chan-wook’s Vengeance trilogy, which includes Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. Oldboy follows a guy who is freed from a crime after 15 years, only to be informed that he will have to track down his kidnapper in five days. The film won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004.
Chan-wook, who directed and co-wrote the film, is tasked with generating the series, along with his generating wife Syd Lim.
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In addition to Oldboy, Chan-wook is known for directing The Handmaiden, Decision to Leave, Stoker, and Thirst, as well as generating the film and television series Snowpiercer. Most recently, he produced and directed The Sympathizer, starring Robert Downey, Jr. . , which premiered on HBO.
“Lionsgate Television shares my artistic vision to bring Oldboy into the world of television,” Chan-wook said. “I’m looking forward to working with a studio whose logo is synonymous with bold, original and risky storytelling. “
Scott Herbst, executive vice president and head of script development at Lionsgate Television, added, “Park is one of the most visionary storytellers of our generation and we are thrilled to partner with him to bring his cinematic masterpiece to the television screen. This series adaptation of Oldboy will feature the raw emotional power, iconic combat scenes, and visceral flavor that made the film a classic.
Banijay France’s Shine Fiction is producing an adaptation of the crime novel Rien ne t’efface by Michel Bussi for TF1.
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