Keanu Reeves Enters Talks for James Wan's English-Language Reimagining of 'The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil'

Key points

• Keanu Reeves is in talks to join the cast of the upcoming film.
• James Wan is set to direct, marking his first feature since 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' (2023).
• Don Lee (Ma Dong-seok) will reprise his role as the crime boss from the original 2019 film.
• The film is an English-language reimagining of the South Korean action-crime thriller.
• Eric Pearson wrote the latest script, based on drafts by Shay Hatten and Brian Helgeland.
• Producers include Jason Blum, Michael Clear, Sylvester Stallone, and Lorenzo di Bonaventura.

Background

Paramount revealed in March 2026 that James Wan would direct the reimagining. The original 2019 film, directed by Lee Won-tae, screened at the Cannes Film Festival and is loosely inspired by real-life South Korean serial killer cases from the mid-2000s. Reeves recently starred in the Apple TV+ dramedy 'Outcome' and is set to voice Shadow in 'Sonic the Hedgehog 4' (March 2027).

How outlets are covering it

Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Dark Horizons all confirm Reeves is in talks to star. THR was the first to report the casting news. All outlets agree on the director, the returning star Don Lee, and the producer slate. There is no disagreement among the sources regarding the core facts of the deal or the production details.

Why it matters

This project represents a significant return to feature directing for James Wan after a three-year hiatus. It also signals a major international adaptation strategy by Paramount, bringing a successful Korean film to a global audience with A-list talent. For Reeves, it diversifies his portfolio beyond the 'John Wick' franchise and video game adaptations.

What to watch

The next step is the formalization of Reeves' deal. Production is expected to begin after the script is finalized. The film is slated to be Wan's first feature since 2023. Reeves is also set to appear in 'Shiver' (August 2026) and 'The Entertainment System Is Down' (A24 release).