James Wan to Direct ‘The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil’ Remake for Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures has officially announced that celebrated director James Wan will take the reins for a new adaptation of the South Korean action-thriller “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil.” This news confirms the involvement of Don Lee, the charismatic lead from the 2019 original, who will reprise his role. Wan, a directorial force behind numerous successful films and franchises, is set to infuse his unique style into this eagerly awaited “reimagining.” This collaboration promises an exciting cinematic experience for audiences globally.
James Wan Set to Helm “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil” for Paramount
In a major development in the film industry, Paramount Pictures has secured the talents of acclaimed director James Wan to direct a new rendition of the popular South Korean movie, “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil.” The announcement, made on March 10, 2026, confirmed that Don Lee, who captivated audiences in the original 2019 film, will once again star in this reimagined version. The initial movie, which premiered to critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival, follows an improbable alliance between a hardened gangster and a determined police detective as they pursue a vicious serial killer.
James Wan's impressive directorial portfolio includes box office giants such as “The Conjuring,” “Insidious,” and the “Saw” series, demonstrating his profound impact on the horror genre. Beyond horror, he has achieved significant commercial success with action spectacles like “Furious 7” and “Aquaman,” both surpassing the billion-dollar mark globally. Despite a recent mixed reception for “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” Wan's producing credits, including “M3GAN” and “Mortal Kombat,” further solidify his standing as a versatile and influential figure in contemporary cinema.
The screenplay for this upcoming film is being penned by Shay Hatten, known for his work on “Resident Evil,” building upon an initial draft crafted by Oscar-winning writer Brian Helgeland, celebrated for “Mystic River” and “L.A. Confidential.” Wan will also take on a producing role alongside Michael Clear through his company, Atomic Monster. Don Lee will also produce via Big Punch Global, joining Sylvester Stallone and D. Matt Geller from Balboa Productions, Chris Lee of B&C Group, and Jang Won-seok, CEO of BA Entertainment, forming a powerhouse production team for this high-stakes project.
This venture marks a significant move for Paramount, blending proven talent with a compelling narrative. The synergy between Wan's directorial prowess, Lee's dynamic screen presence, and a stellar writing and production team promises a fresh, intense take on the acclaimed crime thriller, aiming to captivate both fans of the original and new audiences alike.
This news ignites anticipation for a film that promises to blend intense action with psychological depth, a hallmark of both the original film and James Wan's previous successes. The unique premise of a gangster and a police officer joining forces to hunt a serial killer offers rich thematic ground for exploration, including justice, morality, and the blurred lines between law and crime. With Wan's knack for crafting suspenseful and visually striking narratives, and Don Lee's return in a role he originated, the remake is poised to deliver a gripping cinematic experience. It will be fascinating to observe how this “reimagining” expands upon the original's acclaimed story, potentially introducing new dimensions to its characters and plot while maintaining the core intensity that made it a global hit. This project stands as a testament to the international appeal of compelling storytelling and the enduring power of collaborative filmmaking.
