South Korean action star Ma Dong Seok, also known as Don Lee, is joining forces with Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves for the upcoming remake of the hit Korean crime thriller The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil.
According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter on October 20, the two actors are attached to star in the Hollywood adaptation, titled Gangster, Cop, Devil, which will be directed by James Wan, the filmmaker behind The Conjuring and Aquaman.
The announcement has attracted attention as it brings together two major action stars known for their powerful performances. Keanu Reeves is widely recognized for his role in the John Wick franchise, while Ma Dong Seok has gained international popularity through Korean action films, including The Outlaws and The Roundup, as well as Marvel's Eternals.
The upcoming movie is a remake of the 2019 South Korean film The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil, directed by Lee Won Tae.
The original movie follows a crime boss and a police detective who reluctantly join forces to track down a serial killer. Ma Dong Seok played the powerful gangster Jang Dong Soo, while Kim Mu Yeol portrayed detective Jung Tae Seok.
The film received international attention after being officially invited to the Midnight Screenings section of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival in 2019.
Ma Dong Seok is expected to reprise his original role in the Hollywood remake, making the project particularly notable as he returns to one of his well-known characters alongside Keanu Reeves.
However, details about Reeves' character have not yet been revealed, leaving fans curious about how the two action stars will interact in the new adaptation.
The remake will also mark James Wan's return to directing a feature film following Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 2023. Wan will additionally participate as a producer through Blumhouse Atomic Monster.
Ma Dong Seok will take part in producing the movie through his company, Big Punch Global.
The screenplay has also involved several Hollywood writers. Shay Hatten, known for his work on the John Wick franchise, and Brian Helgeland worked on earlier drafts, while Eric Pearson, who wrote Thunderbolts, reportedly completed the latest version.
Filming for Gangster, Cop, Devil is reportedly scheduled to begin in Los Angeles in April 2027, although an official release date has not yet been announced.
With Ma Dong Seok returning to the story that helped strengthen his international recognition and Keanu Reeves joining the project, the upcoming remake is expected to draw interest from both Korean cinema fans and Hollywood action movie audiences.
