Key Takeaways
- James Wan will direct a remake of the South Korean crime thriller The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil.
- The film is being developed by Paramount Pictures, Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, and Balboa Productions.
- Don Lee (Ma Dong-seok), star of the original movie, is attached to return.
- The project features producers including Sylvester Stallone and Wan’s Atomic Monster team.
- The original film premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim.
James Wan to Direct The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil Remake
Hollywood is bringing a popular international thriller back to the big screen. Paramount Pictures has tapped acclaimed filmmaker James Wan to direct a reimagining of the hit South Korean film The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil.
The project will be produced through a collaboration between Blumhouse’s Atomic Monster, Balboa Productions, and Paramount Pictures, combining some of the industry’s biggest production brands.
The remake will also feature Don Lee (Ma Dong-seok), who starred in the original film, returning to the project as both an actor and producer.
The Story Behind the Hit Korean Crime Thriller
The original The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and quickly gained attention for its intense story and action-driven performances.
The plot centers on an unlikely alliance:
- A crime boss survives a brutal attack by a serial killer.
- A detective is determined to stop the murderer.
- The two enemies reluctantly team up to hunt down the same killer.
The unique dynamic between law enforcement and organized crime helped the film stand out in the global thriller genre and attract international audiences.
With Hollywood adapting the story, fans are eager to see how the American remake will reinterpret the gripping crime narrative.
Don Lee Returns to the Project
One of the most exciting elements of the remake is the involvement of Don Lee, also known internationally as Ma Dong-seok.
Lee’s powerful performance in the original film helped turn the movie into a breakout hit. His return signals that the remake aims to preserve some of the original story’s authenticity while introducing it to new audiences.
Lee will produce the film through Big Punch Global, continuing to expand his presence in international film production.
Sylvester Stallone and Major Producers Join the Film
The project also brings together several well-known producers from across Hollywood.
The producing team includes:
- James Wan and Michael Clear (Atomic Monster)
- Don Lee (Big Punch Global)
- Sylvester Stallone and D. Matt Geller (Balboa Productions)
- Chris Lee (B&C Group)
- Jang Won-seok, CEO of BA Entertainment
This cross-industry collaboration reflects Hollywood’s growing interest in remaking successful international films for global audiences.
The Screenwriters Behind the Remake
The screenplay for the remake is being developed by two experienced writers.
- Brian Helgeland, known for writing the Oscar-winning screenplay for L.A. Confidential, wrote the original draft and will serve as an executive producer.
- Shay Hatten, whose credits include major action franchises, is currently writing the updated screenplay.
With this writing team involved, the film is expected to blend crime drama, suspense, and action.
James Wan’s Continued Success in Hollywood
Director James Wan remains one of the most influential filmmakers in modern genre cinema.
Wan has built a career directing some of the most successful films in both the horror and action genres, including:
- The Conjuring
- Saw
- Insidious
- Furious 7
- Aquaman
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
The original Aquaman film remains DC Studios’ highest worldwide grossing movie, demonstrating Wan’s ability to deliver large-scale commercial hits.
With Wan attached to direct the remake of The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil, industry insiders expect the project to draw significant attention from global audiences.
Why Hollywood Is Adapting International Films
Hollywood studios are increasingly turning to international box office hits for remake opportunities.
Successful foreign films often come with:
- Proven storytelling concepts
- Built-in global fan bases
- Strong genre appeal
By adapting films like The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil, studios can introduce compelling stories to wider audiences while maintaining elements that made the original successful.
With James Wan directing and Don Lee returning, the remake has the potential to become one of the most anticipated crime thrillers currently in development.
