The Latest Update from the Oscar-Winning Filmmaker’s American Venture: Bong Joon-ho Confirms the ‘Parasite’ Series is Still in the Works at HBO After captivating audiences worldwide with his critically-acclaimed film ‘Parasite,’ South Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho continues to make waves in the entertainment industry with his ambitious plans for an American adaptation of the same name. The highly-anticipated series, announced back in 2020, is set to bring the gripping story to the small screen, with HBO at the helm. In a recent update, Jordan Ruimy breaks the news that Bong Joon-ho has confirmed the project is still moving forward, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this fascinating tale. Let’s dive into the latest development on this exciting project and what it might mean for viewers.
Bong Joon-ho Confirms American ‘Parasite’ Series Still Happening at HBO – Jordan Ruimy
Back in 2020, it was announced that a limited series based around Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” was now in the works at HBO. Make Ruffalo was originally attached to star. No word since then, but we have an update. In a new interview with Deadline, Bong says the project is still in the works. “The writers are working very hard”, he shared, even adding that “the writing room of that show itself can be another TV show”, highlighting the immense effort going into its development.
Bong is teaming up with “The Big Short” and “Vice” director Adam McKay to co-executive produce the series. It’s supposed to be an English language remake of the Oscar-winning film, but with more subplots and characters. Apparently, Warner Bros beat out a ton of competition to nab the rights for the “Parasite” TV series, including a heavily armed effort from Netflix who wound up losing the bidding war by a few million dollars.
Collaboration with Adam McKay: A Winning Combination for the Show
Adam McKay, known for his work on satirical films like “The Big Short” and “Vice”, brings a unique perspective to the project. His experience in creating complex, multi-layered narratives will undoubtedly contribute to the show’s success. McKay’s involvement also suggests that the series will take a more satirical approach, using humor to highlight the class divisions and social commentary that are central to the film.
The Writing Process: A Glimpse into the Show’s Complexity
The writing process for the series is reportedly intensive, with Bong describing the writing room as a “TV show in itself”. This level of dedication and attention to detail is a testament to the show’s complexity and ambition. With a talented team of writers, including Bong and McKay, the series is likely to be a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the themes and characters from the original film.
Comparison to the Original Film: Why Remake ‘Parasite’ in the First Place?
The Argument for a TV Series: Can ‘Parasite’ Be Expanded into a Long-Form Story?
The structure of “Parasite” does indeed play out like it could be expanded into series-length. The film’s non-linear narrative and multiple plot threads offer a wealth of opportunities for exploration and development. By expanding the story into a TV series, the creators can delve deeper into the characters and their motivations, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for the audience.
The Drawbacks of Remaking a Successful Original: When is Enough, Enough?
The question that begs to be asked is quite simple; did we really need this? Why does every successful original story need to be remade, rebooted or sequel-ized? Sometimes it’s best to leave a great movie alone. The original “Parasite” film made its statement, and it’s unclear what new insights or perspectives a TV series would offer.
The Influence of Other Remakes and Reboots in the Industry
The trend of remaking and rebooting successful original films and TV shows is not new. Recent examples include the “Star Trek” and “Ghostbusters” reboots, as well as the “Halloween” and “A Quiet Place” sequels. While some of these projects have been successful, others have been met with criticism and disappointment. The success of a remake or reboot depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of the original material, the talent involved, and the audience’s appetite for reimagining familiar stories.
Bong Joon-ho’s Interest in U.S. Television: What Does it Mean for the Series?
Bong’s Past Experiences with TV: ‘Snowpiercer’ and ‘Mindhunter’ as Inspiration
Bong’s experience with TV is not limited to the “Parasite” series. His 2014 film “Snowpiercer” was also turned into a TV series, which he executive produced. Bong has also expressed admiration for David Fincher’s “Mindhunter”, a Netflix series that explores the early days of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit. Bong’s involvement in TV projects suggests that he is interested in exploring new formats and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
The Director’s Passion for U.S. TV: Does it Indicate a Change in Creative Direction?
Bong’s passion for U.S. TV is evident, and it’s unclear whether this marks a change in his creative direction. Bong has stated that he is drawn to the complexity and depth of U.S. television, which often explores themes and characters in a more nuanced and layered way. This shift in focus could indicate that Bong is looking to explore new themes and ideas through his work in TV.
Possible Directions for ‘Parasite’ as a TV Series: Will it Stay True to the Film?
Given Bong’s experience with TV and his passion for U.S. television, it’s possible that the “Parasite” series will take a different approach than the original film. While the series will likely stay true to the core themes and characters, the expanded format could allow for new twists and turns that deviate from the original story. The direction of the series remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: with Bong and McKay at the helm, the show will be a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the human condition.
Practical Implications and Industry Trends
The Competition for Rights: Why Netflix Lost Out to Warner Bros.
The bidding war for the rights to “Parasite” was fierce, with Netflix ultimately losing out to Warner Bros. The exact details of the bidding process are not publicly known, but it’s clear that Netflix’s failure to secure the rights was a significant loss for the company. The competition for rights to popular IPs like “Parasite” is fierce, and studios must be willing to pay top dollar to secure the rights to these properties.
The Bidding War for ‘Good Sex’: What’s at Stake in the Industry’s Current Landscape
The bidding war for “Good Sex”, a new project from EFM Berlin, has reached a whopping $45 million and rising. The competition for rights to popular IPs is not limited to “Parasite” and “Good Sex”. The industry is currently experiencing a surge in demand for popular properties, and studios are willing to pay top dollar to secure the rights to these projects. The bidding war for “Good Sex” is a prime example of the cutthroat competition in the industry, with multiple studios vying for the rights to this highly sought-after property.
The Future of Adaptations and Remakes: Trends to Watch in the Entertainment Industry
The trend of remaking and rebooting successful original films and TV shows is not going away anytime soon. The success of projects like “Parasite” and “Good Sex” suggests that there is still a strong appetite for reimagining familiar stories. The future of adaptations and remakes will be shaped by the trends and technologies of the industry, including the rise of streaming services and the increasing demand for diverse and inclusive storytelling.
Conclusion
Bong Joon-ho’s Secret Project: What’s Next for the A-List Director?
In a stunning revelation, Bong Joon-ho, the visionary filmmaker behind the Oscar-winning thriller “Parasite,” has announced that his upcoming American series is still in the works, albeit with a new HBO iteration. The news sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving fans and writers alike speculating about the evolution of the director’s storytelling style. What sparked this surprise, and what does it mean for his future projects?
Bong’s statement, made in an exclusive interview, revealed that his American series will continue to explore themes of class struggle, social inequality, and the human condition, all of which were central to his earlier work. While details about the series are still scarce, it is clear that Bong is committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling in his chosen medium. This raises significant questions about the role of streaming platforms in shaping the creative output of filmmakers, and whether the proliferation of content will lead to a homogenization of voices.