Spielberg, Smith in talks for 'Oldboy'

Pair may kidnap remake of Korean drama

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Spielberg

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.