James Wan to Direct Korean Thriller Remake for Paramount

James Wan, the director behind horror franchises like Saw and Insidious as well as blockbusters such as Aquaman, has signed on to direct and produce an English-language remake of the 2019 Korean crime thriller The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil for Paramount Pictures. The project reunites Wan with actor Don Lee, known internationally as Ma Dong-seok, who starred as the gangster in the original and will reprise the role while also serving as a producer.

The original film, written and directed by Lee Won-tae, centers on an unlikely alliance between a crime boss and a determined police detective as they pursue a serial killer who attacked the gangster. Both characters have personal stakes in capturing the perpetrator, leading to a tense narrative filled with investigative twists, gang conflicts, and mutual distrust. The story unfolds in a gritty urban setting, blending elements of procedural drama and high-stakes action.

For the remake, screenwriter Shay Hatten, whose credits include the John Wick series and Rebel Moon films, is adapting the script from an initial draft by Oscar-winning writer Brian Helgeland, known for L.A. Confidential and A Knight's Tale. Helgeland will remain...