News about an Oldboy remake has circulated so long that there’s a shoulder-high pile of salt sitting behind every new bit of information. The newest bit is that Mandate Pictures wants the world to know that they’ve hired Spike Lee to direct the film.
This is just strange enough to work. If we believe that remakes have to follow the original enough to earn the title while offering something new, choosing a director like Lee is a good choice because there’s no way he’ll be anywhere near the wheelhouse of Park Chan-wook. Still, it’s unclear what kind of movie Lee will create or what of his previous work specifically qualifies him for an odd revenge flick, although he handled quiet drama really well in 25th Hour.
It’s tough to know what this beast will be born as, and that’s exciting in its own way. If it has to happen, at least some surprising choices are being made. Plus, in a world where Will Smith and Steven Spielberg almost had their hands on this thing, I’ll take Spike Lee any day.
Now when are we going to start seeing more rumors about Charlize Theron in a Lady Vengeance remake?