Lupita Nyong’o in talks to star in remake of The Killer for John Woo

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

John Woo's THE KILLER starred Chow Yun-fat as Ah Jong, an assassin who accidentally damaged the eyes of a singer during a shootout. Discovering that she will go blind if she doesn't get an expensive operation, Ah Jong decides to perform one last hit to secure the money. John Woo has long been talking about remaking the film, and according to Deadline, it seems that it's finally moving forward as Lupita Nyong'o (BLACK PANTHER) is in negotiations to play the lead role.

Universal Pictures has THE KILLER on the fast track and John Woo is slated to direct the remake, which, like the original, will find Lupita Nyong'o playing the assassin who puts her own life on the line to save a woman whom she accidentally blinded in her last hit. Per Deadline, the remake will "blend espionage with extraordinary stunts to capture the feel of the original." It will take some doing to top the bullet-ballet of the original film, but having John Woo taking on directing duties himself certainly helps. Production on THE KILLER is expected to begin later this year in France and Germany. Bring on the doves.

A remake of THE KILLER has been in the works for decades, but the closest it got was ten years ago when John H. Lee (A MOMENT TO REMEMBER) was slated to direct the remake, in 3D no less, which would have starred Jung Woo-sung (THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD). However, development progressed slowly and Lee later departed for other projects, leaving John Woo vowing to take on the film himself.

What do you think of Lupita Nyong'o taking on the lead in THE KILLER remake?