Oldboy is a neo-noir action thriller film directed by Spike Lee and written by Mark Protosevich that was released in 2013. It’s an official remake, or ‘reinterpretation,’ of Park Chan-2003 week’s film of the same name, as Lee calls it. Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, and Sharlto Copley feature in the picture.
On November 27, 2013, Oldboy was released in theatres in the United States. It was FilmDistrict’s final release before the business was acquired by Focus Features in October 2013. Critics gave it a mixed response, praising the acting and visual style but criticizing it regarding Park’s film.
Lee was chastised for failing to use creative choices to distinguish his work, and so for failing to justify why he did it. The picture was likewise a flop at the box office, and it was one of Lee’s worst box office performances.
Justin Lin was previously attached to direct an American adaptation of Oldboy. DreamWorks and Universal were obtaining the rights to the remake in November 2008, with Will Smith expressing interest in starring and Steven Spielberg directing. Although the acquisition of the remake rights had not been confirmed, Mark Protosevich was in talks to write the script.
According to Variety, the picture grossed $885,000 in its first five days, making it one of the worst Thanksgiving launches ever. It debuted in 18th place at the box office, grossing $5.2 million worldwide against a $30 million budget, making it a box office flop.
