Lionsgate Teams with Park Chan-wook to Adapt Oldboy for TV

Lionsgate Television has partnered with Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook (Snowpiercer, The Sympathizer) to develop his film Oldboy for television, marking the first English-language series adaptation of the property.

Oldboy, adapted from a Japanese manga of the same name, is part of Chan-wook’s Vengeance trilogy, which includes Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. Oldboy follows a man who is released from prison after 15 years, only to learn that he must find his captor in five days. The film won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004.

Chan-wook, who directed and co-wrote the original film, is attached to produce the series, alongside producing partner Syd Lim.

In addition to Oldboy, Chan-wook is known for directing The Handmaiden, Decision to Leave, Stoker and Thirst, as well as producing both the film and TV series Snowpiercer. Most recently, he produced and directed The Sympathizer, starring Robert Downey, Jr., which premiered on HBO.

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

Scott Herbst, executive VP and head of scripted development at Lionsgate Television, added, “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.”