Lionsgate Television is joining forces with acclaimed Korean director Park Chan-wook for an English-language TV series adaptation of the cult favorite Oldboy, based on the original 2003 film and 1990s Japanese manga. The series aims to capture the intense emotional punch, iconic fight sequences, and distinct visual style of the film. With Park's successful track record in TV projects, including work with Bong Joon-ho on Snowpiercer, and the recent HBO series The Sympathizer, expectations are high for a reinterpretation that does justice to the gripping narrative of vengeance and mystery that made the film a standout piece of cinema.

Will the new Oldboy TV series be faithful to the original film or the manga?

The Oldboy TV series is expected to derive inspiration from the source manga and the original film, aiming to maintain the raw emotional impact and iconic style, though with a new English-language adaptation, there could be some fresh takes on the story.

The story of Oldboy revolves around a man imprisoned for 15 years without explanation. Upon his abrupt release, he embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the identity of his captor and the motive behind his years of isolation, which unbeknownst to him, ties back to his past. This narrative is part of Park Chan-wook's Vengeance trilogy, which has garnered international acclaim for its strong storytelling and captivating visuals. The original Oldboy film is particularly noted for its unexpected plot twists and a famous one-take hallway fight scene, setting a high bar for the upcoming TV adaptation.