Official: Spike Lee will direct the remake of Oldboy

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Well, at least it’s not Spielberg, right?

It was a rumor last week, but now it’s official: The OLDBOY remake will be helmed by none other than Spike Lee. Lee will helm off a script from Mark Protosevich (THE CELL), whose script was the one being considered by Steven Spielberg and star Will Smith. (Let’s also not forget that Justin Lin was at one time attached to the project.)

I’m still not in favor of this remake – really, how could I be? – but there’s no doubt that Lee is an intriguing choice. The man has his own voice, has been a consistently interesting (if frustrating) director throughout his career, and brings a palpable passion to every flick he tackles. His last feature film was 2008’s MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA, but before that he proved he could do a Hollywood thriller with the best of them with 2006’s INSIDE MAN. And, of course, he’s responsible for a few truly great movies, such as DO THE RIGHT THING, MALCOLM X, and a personal favorite, CLOCKERS

Roy Lee and Doug Davison of Vertigo Entertainment will produce OLDBOY along with Mandate Pictures. My only question regarding it is, how long before it’s announced that Denzel Washington will be playing the lead role?