With the surprise international success of South Korean zombie thriller "Train to Busan," several movie production houses raced to bag the rights to create an English version of the film. Sources confirm that "Train to Busan" English-language remake is definitely in the works at French studio Gaumont.
The remake deal was confirmed by Gaumont and the "Train to Busan" Korean distributor Next Entertainment World. "We are more than happy to start our business with Gaumont, one of the greatest film companies with rich experience in terms of global projects," NEW CEO Kim Woo Taek said of their partnership with Gaumont. "We hope this opportunity could let Korean films get more attention and be familiar with the audience all over the world."
As per Variety, Fox and Sony were two of the Hollywood movie studios that were also in negotiations to acquire production rights to "Train to Busan." Two other French companies, Studiocanal and EuropaCorp, also showed interest in the movie.
The English-language remake of "Train to Busan" will be set in the US and the studio is already on the hunt for directors and potential cast members.
The original "Train to Busan" was directed by Yeon Sang Ho and follows a group of passengers inside a high-speed bullet train to Busan trying to survive a zombie outbreak that has engulfed the country. The movie was also seen as a reflection of the social and political issues that are currently underlying in South Korea.
"Train to Busan" stars Gong Yoo, Ma Dong Seok, Kim Soo An, and Jung Yu Mi.
The Gong Yoo starrer first debuted in the Cannes Film Festival in May before it was commercially released in July. According to Yonhap News, the movie drew in more than 10 million moviegoers. It earned $34.3 million during the first five days of its release. "Train to Busan" also broke records in South Korea where it recorded the highest single day gross of $9.90 million.
There are rumors that a "Train to Busan 2" is being developed in South Korea and several big names are being attached to the project such as Song Joong Ki and Lee Min Ho.