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Loosely adapted from the Japanese manga of the same name, Park Chan-wook’s 2003 movieOldboyturned into a cult classic right after its release. Narrating the tale of Oh Dae-su, who becomes obsessed with vengeance on his captors after being imprisoned for 15 years, the movie garnered critical success and positive reviews.
Later on, following in Park Chan-wook’s footsteps, Spike Lee came up with a 2013 remake, starring Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen. Unfortunately, Lee’s film turned into an atrocious remake, which deeply saddened fans of the original film.
However, decades later there appears hope for Chan-wook to redeem hisOldboyremake, as the director prepares for an English-languageOldboyTV series remake.
Spike Lee’s Atrocious Remake ofOldboyStarring Josh Brolin
Following the grand success of Park Chan-wook’s original 2003 thrillerOldboy, Spike Lee tried his hands on the remake of the Korean film, almost a decade later. Starring the likes of Josh Brolin andElizabeth Olsen, acclaimed filmmaker Lee believed his remake might turn into a cult classic like the original.
“It would be physically impossible”: Oldboy Director Has 1 Regret With Robert Downey Jr.’s The Sympathizer
Unfortunately, despite narrating the same story of a captive, who finally breaks free after years of unreasonable imprisonment, to seek vengeance,Spike Lee’s movie failed to garner success.
As perDeadTalkNews, the 2013 remake butchered the original version and turned out to be an atrocious take on Park Chan-wook’s original version.
While Park Chan-wook’s 2003Oldboyreceived an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes,Spike Lee‘s 2013 remake only earned 39%. Disappointing fans with his desire to bring the film to America by remaking it in English, Lee failed to live up to fans’ expectations.
Although there were similarities and differences, and Lee’s version certainly entertained people, the movie overall butchered the original film.
Park Chan-wook Working to Redeem the 2013OldboyRemake
However, now, there seems to be a way for Park Chan-wook to finally redeemJosh Brolin’s remake, as Lionsgate Television partnered with him to put a new spin on his hit revenge thrillerOldboy. According toTHR, Chan-wook is set to develop a series version of his 2003 movie, partnering with Lionsgate.
Park Chan-wook Sets His Sights on a Passion Project as Legendary Director Wraps Up His Partnership With Robert Downey Jr. in ‘The Sympathizer’
“Lionsgate Television shares my creative vision for bringing Oldboy into the world of television. I look forward to working with a studio whose brand stands for bold, original, and risk-taking storytelling.” Chan-wook shared.
Further, it has been reported that the project will be in the English language, and this upcoming series adaptation will feature “raw emotional power, iconic fight scenes, and visceral style”. As per Lionsgate Television’s EVP and Head of Scripted Development, Scott Herbst,
“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. This series adaptation of Oldboy will feature the raw emotional power, iconic fight scenes, and visceral style that made the film a classic.”
😭😭 i guess since Park is involved it’s better, but why
— Craig (@CS11__)August 06, 2025
I mean if Park is involved, that’s a good sign
— Truly Pete (72%)👽 🔜 Some Rave Eventually (@AStateofPete)August 15, 2025
Park makes any project a little bit better.
— Stanley tamz (@StanleyTamz)July 09, 2025
“An English language ‘Oldboy’ TV series remake is in the works.”
Please no… God no. Remember what happened last ti—
“Park Chan-wook will produce the series.”
Let him cook.https://t.co/qtBW8vwryu
— Yoko Higuchi (@theYokoHiguchi)June 28, 2025
Learning about how Lionsgate Television partnered withPark Chan-wookfor the TV series remake, fans got finally excited to see the upcoming project in the right hands. Hopeful about the potential show, fans expressed their excitement on social media.
Oldboy2003 is available on Netflix.
Oldboy2013 is on Amazon Prime.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3216
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
