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Posted: Thu., Nov. 6, 2008, 8:00pm PT

Spielberg, Smith in talks for 'Oldboy'

Pair may kidnap remake of Korean drama

Steven Spielberg

Spielberg

Will Smith

Smith

Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in early discussions to collaborate on a remake of Park Chan-wook's "Oldboy." DreamWorks is in the process of securing the remake rights, and the new pic will be distributed by Universal.

In the 2003 Korean original, a man gets kidnapped and held in a shabby cell for 15 years without explanation. Suddenly, he's released and given money, a cell phone and clothes and is set on a path to discover who destroyed his life so he can take revenge.

Spielberg had been looking for an opportunity to make a film with Smith, who would play the kidnapped man if all the pieces fall into place. Spielberg is looking for a writer to begin the development process.

The film was originally set at U and then found its way to Mandate.

Spielberg is next expected to direct "Tintin."

A correction was made to this article on Nov. 24, 2008.

Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

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