Park Chan-wook Working on English-Language TV Adaptation of 'Oldboy'

Park Chan-wook and Lionsgate Television are developing an English-language TV adaptation of the filmmaker’s revered film, Oldboy.

The South Korean director is set to produce the series alongside his producing partner Syd Lim, while Courtney Mock and Tara Joshi will oversee the project for Lionsgate Television. Additional details including the cast, plot and a possible release window are yet to be announced.

“Lionsgate Television shares my creative vision for bringing ‘Oldboy’ into the world of television,” Park said in a statement. “I look forward to working with a studio whose brand stands for bold, original and risk-taking storytelling.”

“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,” added Scott Herbst, executive vice president and head of scripted development for 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.”

The original Oldboy premiered in 2003 and starred Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung and Oh Dal-su in the main roles. The action-thriller followed the story of a man who gets released after being imprisoned in a cell for 15 years, then goes on the hunt for his captor and falls in love with a young woman. It went on to win the Grand Prix and was nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and is widely considered as one of the best films ever made.