Keanu Reeves is eyeing a return to the gritty, high-stakes world of crime thrillers. The actor is in talks to star in Paramount's English-language remake of the acclaimed South Korean film The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The project would reunite him with a blockbuster director and pair him with one of the original film's stars.
Reeves, who has been a dominant force in action cinema since the first John Wick in 2014, may be ready to pass the torch—or at least share it. While he's set to appear in the upcoming John Wick spin-off Ballerina and has a slate of diverse projects including the satirical The Entertainment System Is Down and the action thriller Shiver, this remake offers a fresh challenge. He'll likely take on the role of the cop, a character who forms an uneasy alliance with a gangster to catch a serial killer.
The original 2019 film, written and directed by Lee Won-tae, follows Jang Dong-soo (played by Don Lee, also known as Ma Dong-seok), a mob boss who survives an attack by a serial murderer. He teams up with detective Jung Tae-suk (Kim Mu-yeol) to track down the killer—but their motivations clash: Jang wants bloody revenge, while the cop wants a lawful arrest to boost his career. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning $25 million worldwide and a 95% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Don Lee will reprise his role as the gangster, bringing his imposing presence and charisma back to the story. James Wan, known for The Conjuring and Aquaman, will direct, marking his first feature since 2023's Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The script has gone through several hands, with Shay Hatten and Brian Helgeland contributing earlier drafts, and Eric Pearson (Fantastic Four: First Steps) penning the current version.
For Reeves, this project represents a potential new franchise. While he's beloved as the stoic assassin John Wick, he's also shown range in films like The Matrix and Speed. The role of a determined cop in a cat-and-mouse thriller could be a perfect fit, especially with Wan's knack for visceral action and suspense. Fans of the original can expect a fresh take that honors the Korean film's tense, character-driven narrative.
If you're a fan of thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this remake is one to watch. For more adrenaline-pumping recommendations, check out our list of thrillers that grab you in the first five minutes or explore why thrillers reign supreme. And if you're craving more crime sagas, dive into our crime classics to stream now.
There's no release date yet, but with Reeves, Lee, and Wan attached, this remake is already generating serious buzz. Stay tuned for more updates as the project moves forward.
