US remake of John Woo classic is on the way

A remake of John Woo’s The Killer has been in talks for as long as 21 years. But news hit yesterday that it has been green-lit. Earlier reports (http://www.filmbiz.asia/news/killer-gets-green-light-for-3-d-remake) indicated the remake was going to be shot in 3D as well as have Korean director Jung Woo-sung helming the film and Chow Yun-Fat reprising his role as Ah Jong/Jef.

But it looks like things are re-arranged. The 3D aspect might now be out of the question and both Jung Woo-Sung and Chow Yun-Fat are no longer involved with the project. Instead, the film will be helmed by John H. Lee (A Moment to Remember) and the cast so far will include Sarah Yan Li playing the role of Jenny – originally played by Hong Kong singer Sally Yeh – while casting for the roles of Ah Jong and Li Ying is still ongoing.

The story will be set in Los Angeles, with shooting starting in Toronto later this year. Bruno Wu’s Seven Stars Film Studios will provide the financing. John Woo and Terence Chang will produce the film, and Josh Campbell will handle writing duties.

Synopsis: Set in present day Los Angeles, Jef, a highly skilled contract killer falls in love with the only living witness to his latest job, a female singer (Sarah Yan Li) who was blinded during the hit. Meanwhile, Detective Vaughn, the cop assigned to investigate Jef’s hit, has a chance to save his reputation when he correctly, and fatefully, suspects Jef to be the killer, but after witnessing Jef display an act of heroism, Vaughn’s perceptions of right and wrong begin to change.

http://twitchfilm.com/news/2012/05/remake-of-john-woos-the-killer-gets-financing.php

http://www.filmbiz.asia/news/wu-backs-woos-killer