John Woo Unleashes Trailer for Remake of His Own Classic Action Movie, The Killer

As a longtime action movie enthusiast and avid gamer with a soft spot for Hong Kong cinema, I can hardly contain my excitement for John Woo’s reimagining of his iconic 1989 classic, “The Killer.” Having grown up watching the original masterpiece led by Chow Yun-fat, Danny Lee, and Sally Yeh, this new version promises to bring the thrilling story to a whole new generation.


Renowned action director John Woo, known for his groundbreaking films such as “Face/Off,” “Mission: Impossible II,” “Paycheck,” “Broken Arrow,” and “Hard Boiled,” is back with a fresh take on his 1989 Hong Kong masterpiece, “The Killer.” This intriguing project not only brings the legendary filmmaker back to the helm of his own movie, but also boasts the involvement of the producer behind the upcoming “Oppenheimer” film. Action enthusiasts can expect a thrilling blend of skilled assassins, vengeance, and heart-pounding gun battles in this new rendition of “The Killer.”

You can check out the newly released trailer for John Woo’s The Killer reimagining below.

In the gripping thriller “The Queen of the Dead,” led by Emmy-nominated Nathalie Emmanuel as the enigmatic assassin Zee, revered and feared in Paris’ underworld. However, during an assignment given by her secretive boss (Sam Worthington from “Avatar”), Zee spares a blind woman (Diana Silvers of “Ma” and “Booksmart”) in a Parisian nightclub. This act of mercy will strain her allegiances, draw the interest of tenacious detective Omar Sy (“Jurassic World,” “Lupin,” Golden Globe-nominated), and thrust Zee into a perilous criminal plot that forces her to confront her past.

As a gamer, I’d say: I’m blown away by the impressive lineup of international actors gracing the big screen in this film. From France, we have Eric Cantona, known for his roles in “The Fragile Colossus” and “Elizabeth,” Saïd Taghmaoui starring in “Wonder Woman” and “The Kite Runner,” Tchéky Karyo appearing in “Nikita” and “A Very Long Engagement,” and Grégory Montel featured in “Call My Agent!” and “Thirst for Life.” And let’s not forget Angeles Woo with her roles in “Silent Night” and “Manhunt,” as well as Aurélia Agel, who has been in “Halo” and “Black Widow.” It’s going to be an exciting ride!

The Killer Reimagining Is Due to Land on Peacock Next Month

In a fresh take on John Woo’s 1989 film “The Killer,” the director once again helms the project. For this adaptation, he collaborates with screenwriter Brian Helgeland, who has earned an Academy Award for “L.A. Confidential” and “Mystic River.” Additionally, Josh Campbell & Matt Stuecken contribute to the script, known for their work on “10 Cloverfield Lane” and “Knights of the Zodiac.” The high-octane production is overseen by producer Charles Roven, a two-time Academy Award winner, alongside Alex Gartner, John Woo, and Lori Tilkin deFelice. Executive producers include Terence Chang, Mark Gordon, Matt Jackson, and Robin Mulcahy Fisichella.

An alternate version: In 1989, the initial release of “The Killer” featured Chow Yun-fat, Danny Lee, and Sally Yeh in the lead roles. This action film gained significant praise, particularly in the Western world, due to its over-the-top violence, choreographed fights, stand-offs, and slow motion scenes. With this year’s remake, director Woo will have the opportunity to employ contemporary filmmaking techniques and introduce “The Killer” to a broader audience. The anticipation is high as many ponder how Woo intends to surpass the original masterpiece.

On August 23, 2024, “The Killer” will become available for streaming on Peacock, thanks to Universal Pictures.

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2024-07-17 17:31