HOME TRAILERS RELEASE DATES PODCAST REVIEWS POSTERS INTERVIEWS MOVIE NEWS ABOUT US APPS FSnetwork

LATEST NEWS

Departed's Monahan and Leo DiCaprio Eyeing The Chaser Remake

by Kevin Powers
March 7, 2008
Source: Hollywood Reporter

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?

Pin It

Related categories: Movie News

http://movieguyreviews4u.blogspot.com Ryan

Sounds cool.
Ripper

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.
Avelanch

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.
Young

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?
yo

I saw The Chaser in Korea, and its great. I cant wait til this one comes out.
nelson

i just saw it and man it was great Leo as main guy sounds cool kinda pictured Russel Crow but Leo is good i may be alone on this but Ryan gosling as the serial killer is something i pictured
Sureshore

I jus finished watching Chaser ( in korean with subs ) and I gotta say this a certified HIT! If they Leo jus leaves everything the same, I don't see this movie flopping at all. It was one of the best movies ive seen this past year, and this includes American movies. Amazing.
MayorSal

I just rented it off OnDemand at home and can say it was a superb movie. The running scenes were very realistic and the suspense built up naturally, not movie-fake like in the big blockbusters. The antagonist was the guy even I wanted to kill by the end of the movie. Hopefully, the American remake will not screw it up.
Ian Holt

I just watched Chaser and a U.S. remake of this Korean thriller sounds cool. But I disagree on casting DiCaprio as the main lead. The main lead in this film is a corrupt disgraced cop who turned into pimping to make a living. A character who's been weathered and washed out of the police force. Baby face DiCaprio just doesn't cut this character background. If I was the producer or director, I would either cast Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) or Denzel Washington (Training Day). But if Scorsese's directing this, then it's already sure DiCaprio would get the role. Benicio Del Toro would also be a good candidate for this remake.