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Departed's Monahan and Leo DiCaprio Eyeing The Chaser Remake

March 7, 2008
Source: Hollywood Reporter
by Kevin Powers

The Chaser

Leonardo DiCaprio is all about Asia nowadays. We confirmed early this month that there will be a 2009-slated, live-action remake of the Japanese classic Akira, for which the 33-year old actor is apparently set to star in and produce. Now, word comes that DiCaprio might lead a William Monahan-adapted remake of the Korean hit The Chaser, which was only released in that country last month. I guess the $20 million+ it's earned so far speaks to its appeal, if not the fact that Warner Brothers picked up the remake rights earlier this week for reportedly $1 million. Not bad.

Thankfully, this isn't another Grudge or any of that Asia-to-America horror nonsense. At a high level, the film will depict DiCaprio as an "ex-cop who goes on the warpath trying to find a missing girl. The girl, who may or may not be alive, is being used by a serial killer to taunt the police."

Fittingly, the cop drama is not unlike DiCaprio's last big-budget appearance The Departed. And guess what, The Departed was an Asian-hit remake as well, adapted by Monahan, too. But wait, there's more. Roy Lee and Doug Davison are reportedly on board to produce, and they were executive producers of Departed.

With these similarities in place and the success of the Academy-Award winning Boston-based thriller, things certainly sound promising for a domestic appearance of The Chaser. However, there has yet to be speculation as to the film's director. (Not surprising, since it's so early in the game). Martin Scorsese directed The Departed, which was no small reason why the film did so well. I wonder who might helm this story? Any thoughts on who might be a good choice?

I'd hesitate to describe this as the next Departed, despite the initial staffing déjà vu. Chaser looks to be much darker, based partly on the story of real-life serial killer. Plus, there doesn't look to be the interplay between the likes of Mark Walberg, Matt Damon, Alec Baldwin, and of course, Jack Nicholson.

Granted, the film sounds really interesting and has done well so far, being praised by critics and fans for its "tight plot, impressive acting and relentless speed." What do you think - does this already sound good?

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Reader Feedback - 4 Comments »

1

Sounds cool.

Ryan on Mar 7, 2008

2

Leo is going to be Kanada in Akira…that is fucking awesome. The Chaser sounds amazing with the team they are assembaling and the storyline, I belive this is going to be a big hit and I will definantly be there to see it.

Ripper on Mar 8, 2008

3

there is nothing in this post that I am not excited about. I can't wait for akira and the chaser sounds great too… i'm going to have to see if i can find a subtitled import copy of it somewhere.

Avelanch on Mar 10, 2008

4

The concept for the story seems intriguing. With the right director, great cinematography and DiCaprio, it should go right! Ideas for directors: Scorcese (greta job with the Departed adaptation); Ang Lee (he's pretty good with action as well as drama & this film needs BOTH to be successful); Chris Nolan (he's done a great job with Batman Begins, and it's rumored that Ledger's joker is amazing.. this film needs someone who can make even the villian someone to watch).
what do you think Kevin?

Young on Mar 10, 2008

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