Hollywood meets Hallyu: Warner Bros. developing Korean 'The Intern' remake
What's the story
Warner Bros. Discovery has inked a first-look film agreement with former executive Jack Nguyen, targeting Asian remakes of the studio's English-language library titles.
The collaboration was initiated through Nguyen's startup production company, Joat Films.
The inaugural project under this pact will be a South Korean adaptation of the 2015 comedy-drama, The Intern, which starred Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway in the lead roles.
Career highlights
Nguyen's extensive experience in Asian film industry
Nguyen, a seasoned professional with 30 years at Warner Bros., has a rich background in local-language film production, primarily in Asia and Latin America.
He was instrumental in spearheading Warner Bros.'s market entries into China, India, Japan, and Korea.
His portfolio boasts of supervising the production of Japanese films like Letters from Iwo Jima, the Rurouni Kenshin franchise, and Yurusarezaru Mono, a remake of Clint Eastwood's Oscar-winning film Unforgiven.
Korean success
Nguyen's role in Korean film industry and future plans
In Korea, Nguyen contributed to the production and distribution of the blockbuster The Age of Shadows, which was Korea's submission for the Oscars's Best Foreign Language Film category in 2017.
Under the new agreement, he will reportedly suggest Asia-focused film projects to Warner Bros., while also co-producing with local partners across various markets in the Asia-Pacific region, including Korea and India.
Korean remake
Meanwhile, know everything about the Korean remake of 'The Intern'
Korean cinema is set to revisit the heartwarming tale of intergenerational friendship with the adaptation of The Intern.
Renowned actor Choi Min-sik is in talks to portray the lead role, originally played by De Niro.
Director Kim Han-gyul, known for works like The Most Ordinary Romance, is also in discussions to helm the project.
The film follows the story of a retired man who becomes an intern at a fashion startup, exploring themes of age, mentorship, and personal growth.