▲ An undated poster of film "Oldboy," provided by U.S. film distributer NEON Rated. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- Filmmaker and producer Park Chan-wook is set to produce a TV series adaptation of the film 'Oldboy' in English in collaboration with a Hollywood production company, according to U.S. entertainment media outlets reported on April 17 (local time).

 

According to reports, Park has teamed up with Lionsgate's television division, Lionsgate Television, to work on turning 'Oldboy' into an English-language TV series.

 

Overseeing this project at Lionsgate Television are executives Courtney Mock and Tara Joss.

 

Director Park commented, "Lionsgate Television shares my creative vision to bring 'Oldboy' into the world of television," adding, "I am excited to collaborate with a studio known for bold, original, and risk-taking storytelling."

 

▲ South Korean director Park Chan-wook of "Decision to Leave" is seen in this photo provided by CJ ENM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Scott Herbst, Vice President and Head of Scripted Development at Lionsgate Television, expressed, "Director Park Chan-wook is one of the most pioneering storytellers of our generation, and we are delighted to work with him to adapt his cinematic masterpiece for the television screen."

 

Herbst further stated, "This adaptation of 'Oldboy' for television will showcase the primal emotional power, iconic fight scenes, and instinctive style that made this film a classic."

 

Released in 2003, 'Oldboy' is a film written and directed by Director Park based on the Japanese manga of the same name. It was the first Korean film to win the Grand Prix of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival the following year and achieved international box office success.

 

Variety introduced the film as having received tremendous acclaim upon its release and being widely recognized as one of the best films of the 21st century.

 

While 'Oldboy' has been remade into an English-language film in Hollywood, this will be the first time it is produced as a TV series.

 

Previously, a Hollywood film of the same name, directed by Spike Lee and released in 2013, did not receive favorable reviews.

 

Director Park Chan-wook has been receiving continuous attention from Hollywood lately.

 

He directed the TV drama series 'The Sympathizer', featuring actor Robert Downey Jr., currently airing on HBO in the United States.

 

▲ This image provided by CJ ENM shows a scene from "Oldboy." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

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