Brief

Keanu Reeves in talks for James Wan Paramount remake

Reeves would team with James Wan and original star Don Lee on a Paramount Pictures adaptation of the Cannes‑premiered Korean action‑crime thriller.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:59:09 GMT

Keanu Reeves is in negotiations to star in Paramount Pictures’ upcoming remake of the 2019 Korean thriller “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil,” according to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

What happened

The project, a reimagining of the original film that debuted at Cannes in 2019, will see Reeves join Don Lee (also known as Ma Dong‑seok), who is set to reprise his role. James Wan will direct, marking his first feature since 2023’s “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Production has been in development since 2019, with Wan joining the effort this spring.

What the reports add

Variety notes that the script was written by Eric Pearson, based on earlier drafts by Shay Hatten and Brian Helgeland, who will also executive‑produce. The Hollywood Reporter adds that the producer lineup includes Michael Clear and Jason Blum of Blumhouse‑Atomic Monster, Sylvester Stallone and D. Matt Geller via Balboa Productions, Chris S. Lee of B&C Group, Jang Won‑seok (CEO of BA Entertainment), and Lorenzo di Bonaventura.

What was said

No direct quotations were provided in the source articles.

How it came about

Paramount first announced the adaptation in 2019, and the project has remained in development with various producers attached. Earlier this year Felo News reported on Paramount’s co‑financing of Blumhouse‑Atomic Monster projects, including the horror thriller “Molepeople,” highlighting the studio’s ongoing partnership with the production company now involved in this remake.

Key facts

Keanu Reeves is negotiating to star in the Paramount remake of “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil.” (variety.com)
James Wan will direct the remake, his first feature since 2023. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Don Lee will reprise his role from the 2019 Korean original. (variety.com)
Producers include Michael Clear, Jason Blum, Sylvester Stallone, D. Matt Geller, Chris S. Lee, Jang Won‑seok, and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Eric Pearson wrote the latest script, building on drafts by Shay Hatten and Brian Helgeland. (variety.com)

Timeline

2019-05-15 — Original Korean film “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil” premieres at Cannes.
2023-12-20 — James Wan releases “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” his last feature before this remake.
2026-10-20 — Keanu Reeves enters talks to star in the remake, reported by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.