As a passionate follower and admirer of Korean cinema, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe when reflecting on the journey of CJ Entertainment and their remake of “Save the Green Planet.” It’s incredible to think that just before the global phenomenon that was Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” and the expansion of Korean cinema, this relatively unknown production company embarked on a project that would ultimately bring together some of the most talented minds in the industry.
Initially, when CJ Entertainment, the production company behind director Jang Joon-hwan’s “Save the Green Planet”, conceived the plan to remake the 2003 popular Korean sci-fi comedy, they didn’t foresee it gaining such massive popularity.
Prior to the international success of Bong Joon-ho’s multiple Oscar-winning film “Parasite”, before Korean cinema gained worldwide recognition, and before CJ Entertainment expanded into one of the largest global production companies with its 2022 acquisition of Endeavor Content (now known as Fifth Season).
[CJ ENM] was a relatively unknown production company based in a less prominent location back then,” mentioned Jerry Jerry Ko, leader of CJ ENM’s film division, during a discussion on Navigating the New Paradigm at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival.
Initially, we thought the film’s idea was innovative for its era, possibly suitable for an independent production. However, as we ventured through Hollywood, it became clear that there were a substantial number of secret admirers of the initial movie. Coincidentally, while in L.A., I encountered Ari Aster moderating a showing of Save the Green Planet at a cinema. I took the opportunity to invite him to join our project, and he accepted as a producer. Subsequently, Will Tracy, renowned screenwriter from Succession, joined us and penned the script. From thereon, the excitement surrounding the project began to snowball. Later, Yorgos Lanthimos and several esteemed actors also became involved.
Currently, the film titled “Bugonia” is being made, featuring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, who previously worked together in “Kinds of Kindness.” This Hollywood remake is a rare collaboration between Lanthimos’ regular partner and a significant Korean producer-distributor, CJ ENM and Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen’s Square Peg. The production company Universal Pictures’ imprint, Focus Features, will co-finance and distribute the movie worldwide, except in Korea. Focus Features plans to release the film widely across the U.S. on November 7 of next year.
The film “Save the Green Planet” premiered in Korea back in 2003 and has since gained acclaim from both critics and viewers at various film festivals. A Hollywood adaptation of this movie follows the tale of two characters fixated on conspiracy theories, who abduct a high-ranking executive from a large pharmaceutical company, believing he is an extraterrestrial intent on devastating our planet.
Ko stated that when we embarked on this project, our aim was to rekindle Director Jang’s visionary creativity, which was innovative even 20 years ago but didn’t receive its due recognition. As the movie grew into something larger than we initially anticipated, we managed to rally support from those who recognized its potential. This helped generate excitement around the project.
At CJ ENM, it’s Ko who spearheads the creation of Korean movies. This individual also believes that Korean narratives have gained international popularity due to their ability to skillfully blend various genres, offering original, captivating storylines and aesthetics.
Ko stated that it is appealing due to its unique cultural aspect combined with a universal film language understood by Hollywood producers. We’ve been investigating methods for international visibility, including Hollywood adaptations and adapting successful IPs for local markets. If Korean creators can excel in their stories, we assist them in expanding globally, tailoring the approach to each work’s specific nature.
At the Busan festival forum, CJ ENM showcased several upcoming titles from their 2025 lineup, such as director Park Chan-wook’s new movie titled “No Other Choice” (currently untitled), a television adaptation of the film “Fabricated City“, and the series “Way Back Love“, which is set to debut on Korean streaming platform Tving during the first half of next year.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-04 19:54