The Chaser (추격자), Na Hong-jin's 2008 directorial debut about a disgraced ex-cop turned pimp who races to save one of his missing prostitutes from a serial killer, became such a sensation in Korea that Warner Bros. bought its Hollywood remake rights within weeks of release — and yet, nearly two decades later, that remake still hasn't been made, cycling through a rotating cast of A-list directors without ever reaching a camera. Few Korean-to-Hollywood remake deals have generated this much star-power buzz while producing this little actual output.
The Original: A Breakout Hit
Starring Kim Yoon-seok and Ha Jung-woo, The Chaser follows Joong-ho, a former detective turned pimp whose missing escorts turn out to be the work of a serial killer, sending him on a desperate, time-pressured chase to save the one woman who might still be alive. Loosely inspired by real-life Korean serial killer Yoo Young-chul, the film became an unexpected box office phenomenon: made on a budget of just $2.6 million, it grossed roughly $35.8 million worldwide and drew over 5.1 million domestic admissions, making it the third-highest-grossing Korean film of 2008. The film's reputation extended well beyond Korea — it screened in the Midnight Screenings section at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, earned a spot on IMDb's top 15 Korean films, and drew public praise from both film critic Roger Ebert and director Christopher Nolan.
Warner Bros. Moves Fast — Then Stalls
In March 2008, just weeks after The Chaser's Korean release, Warner Bros. acquired the remake rights for $1 million, explicitly framing the deal as an attempt to recapture the success of The Departed, itself a Hollywood remake of the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs. The parallel wasn't a coincidence: producers Roy Lee and Doug Davison, who specialize in adapting Asian films for American audiences, came aboard alongside Dan Lin, and William Monahan — who won an Oscar for writing The Departed — entered early talks to write the script. Leonardo DiCaprio, The Departed's star, was reported to be circling the lead role, having reportedly expressed strong personal enthusiasm for the original film after watching it.
A Long List of Big Names, No Finished Film
Over the years that followed, an unusually long list of major directors cycled through reported attachment to the project, including Ridley Scott, David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, and Martin Scorsese at various early stages. By 2013, industry tracking listed Guy Ritchie as the project's director with Jonathan Mostow attached to write, still carrying a "development" status rather than a confirmed production start. No release date has ever been set, and the project has effectively remained in limbo since, making it one of the longest-unresolved Hollywood remake deals for a Korean film — acquired with major star interest and studio momentum, yet never actually produced.
The Chaser Remake Timeline
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| February 2008 | The Chaser released in Korea; becomes a box office hit |
| March 2008 | Warner Bros. acquires remake rights for $1 million |
| 2008 | William Monahan in early talks to write; DiCaprio reportedly circling lead role |
| 2008–2013 | Ridley Scott, David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese reportedly considered as directors |
| 2013 | Guy Ritchie attached as director, Jonathan Mostow as writer; still listed as "in development" |
Frequently Asked Questions
Was The Chaser a box office success in Korea?
Yes, it drew over 5.1 million domestic admissions, making it the third-highest-grossing Korean film of 2008, on a production budget of just $2.6 million.
Why did Warner Bros. want to remake The Chaser?
The studio explicitly framed the acquisition as an attempt to replicate the success of The Departed, another Hollywood remake of an Asian thriller, and brought on several of the same producers and writer.
Has the Hollywood remake of The Chaser ever been released?
No, despite being optioned in 2008 and cycling through several high-profile directors over the years, the project has never gone into production or received a release date.
Which directors were linked to The Chaser remake?
Reported names over the years include Ridley Scott, David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, and, as of 2013, Guy Ritchie.
Is The Chaser well-regarded internationally?
Yes, it screened at the Cannes Film Festival's Midnight Screenings section, ranked among IMDb's top Korean films, and drew public praise from figures including Roger Ebert and Christopher Nolan.
Development status on stalled film projects can change without much public notice — check official studio announcements for any future updates.