The South Korean zombie film TRAIN TO BUSAN has been out for less than two weeks, playing in theatres in its home country while also receiving a limited roll-out release in the United States and Canada, but production companies around the world are already clamoring for the remake rights.
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho from a screenplay by Park Joo-suk, TRAIN TO BUSAN tells the story of
a group of terrified passengers fighting their way through a countrywide viral outbreak, trapped on a suspicion-filled, blood-drenched bullet train ride to the Safe Zone.
Major studios and indie production houses are both in the running to acquire the rights, with Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox being among the companies putting in bids to make an American version of the concept. Companies based out of France, a country with a bullet train system much like South Korea's, are also expressing a strong desire to remake TRAIN TO BUSAN. Contenders in France include Gaumont, Canal Plus, and EuropaCorp.
No deals have been made yet, but a source close to the negotiations says they may be finalized by the end of the month.
A situation like this will likely have a lot of horror fans shaking their heads – why produce a remake instead of just giving the original film a wide international release? Myself, I just hope that a Hollywood deal won't ruin the chances of a France deal, or vice versa, because I like the idea of being able to watch Korean, American, and French versions of the story.
Judging by our own Jake Dee's 8/10 review, TRAIN TO BUSAN sounds like a film that's worthy of all the attention it's currently getting.