The Train to Busan Remake Remains Without Progress
The American adaptation of Train to Busan, initially titled The Last Train to New York, remains on hold with no clear information about its development. Although its director, Timo Tjahjanto, stated he was ready since 2020, the lack of decisions from the studio has prevented the project from advancing. Warner Bros. removed the movie from its release schedule in 2022 and has not announced a new date.
A Project That Fails to Take Off
Following the international success of the original version in 2016, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema began working on its adaptation. In 2021, Tjahjanto was confirmed as director, and shortly after, the studio presented the official title and scheduled its release. However, the absence of news about the cast and the lack of a start date for filming generated doubts until the movie was quietly removed from the schedule.
Factors That Have Halted Production
The screenplay is in the hands of Gary Dauberman, known for his work on horror movies, while production falls to James Wan. Initially, this indicated that the movie was a priority for the studio. However, the lack of progress suggests that uncertainty within Warner Bros. has stalled its development. Yeon Sang-ho, director of the original version, expressed his desire for the new movie to have its own identity and not limit itself to replicating the original story, which may have added pressure to the creative process.
The Impact of Train to Busan
The South Korean movie became a benchmark in zombie cinema since its 2016 release. Set on a train during an apocalyptic outbreak, it stood out for its dynamic pace and emotional focus. With worldwide box office earnings exceeding $98 million and a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it solidified its success beyond South Korea. Its impact led to the creation of an animated prequel and a sequel that expanded its universe.
The Future of the Adaptation Remains in Doubt
The challenge of balancing the essence of the original story with an innovative proposal could be a factor in the lack of progress. Tjahjanto, recognized for his intense action style with emotional weight, seems ready to direct the project, but has not yet had the opportunity to do so. Without clear signs of production underway, the fate of this adaptation continues to be uncertain.