Known for his mastery of horror and action, James Wan is set to return to the director's chair with a high-stakes thriller. This move follows his recent work on Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and the divisive horror film Malignant. While his recent theatrical outings have generated mixed reactions, Wan's reputation as a genre innovator remains strong, making his choice to tackle a remake of a critically lauded Korean film a point of keen interest for cinephiles.
The original 2019 South Korean film, The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil (titled Le Gangster, le Flic et l’Assassin in French, as noted by Ecranlarge), earned a reputation as a gripping and brutal thriller. Its premise—an unlikely alliance between a ruthless crime boss and a hot-headed detective to hunt down a serial killer—offers fertile ground for a Hollywood adaptation. The film was particularly praised for its intense action sequences and the dynamic performances of its lead actors.
Adding considerable star power to the upcoming Paramount production, Keanu Reeves is in advanced talks to join the cast. While his specific role has not yet been confirmed, speculation suggests he could portray either the tenacious police inspector, originally played by Kim Mu-yeol, or the enigmatic serial killer, initially brought to life by Kim Sung-kyu. Reeves' involvement would undoubtedly elevate the project, leveraging his global recognition and proven ability to lead action-packed narratives, especially after the success of the John Wick franchise.
Crucially, the remake will see the return of one of the original film's standout performers, Don Lee (also known as Ma Dong-seok). Lee is set to reprise his role as Jang Dong-soo, the formidable gang leader. His powerful portrayal was a cornerstone of the original's success, and his presence ensures a direct link to the source material's acclaimed performance, promising continuity in character intensity.
The narrative of the American remake is expected to largely adhere to the original's compelling structure. It will explore the volatile partnership between the gangster and the cop, forced together by a common enemy: a sadistic serial killer. Their divergent methods and clashing personalities promise a film filled with betrayals, intense confrontations between law enforcement and criminals, and brutal gang warfare, all underscored by a race against time to capture a murderer.
Behind the scenes, the screenplay is being refined by Eric Pearson, known for his work on Marvel projects like Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. Pearson is tasked with polishing earlier drafts penned by Shay Hatten, who contributed to the Resident Evil franchise, and Brian Helgeland, a celebrated writer whose credits include Man on Fire, Mystic River, and L.A. Confidential.
Despite the exciting casting and directorial news, The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil currently has no official release window. Both Wan and Reeves maintain busy schedules. Reeves is slated to lend his voice to Shadow in Sonic 4, star in the shark thriller Shiver, and is attached to John Wick 5. Wan, meanwhile, is actively involved as a producer, with the horror film Malfaisante (a different film than his Malignant) starring Jessica Chastain, released in late 2026.
This remake represents a significant project for James Wan, potentially allowing him to reassert his directorial prowess in the thriller genre. With Keanu Reeves possibly joining Don Lee, the film is poised to capture the attention of both fans of the original and a broader international audience.