Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has officially announced a first-look deal with industry veteran Jack Nguyen, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to expand its presence in the Asian film market. The first project under this new agreement will be a Korean remake of the 2015 comedy-drama “The Intern.” This collaboration, established through Nguyen’s production company, JOAT Films, aims to focus on Asia-centric film projects, particularly local-language adaptations of WBD’s English-language titles.
Nguyen, who has an extensive background in the film industry, will work closely with local partners across the Asia-Pacific region, including Korea and India. Kurt Rieder, Senior Vice President and head of theatrical distribution for WBD in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasized the growing demand for Hollywood story remakes in these markets. He noted that there is a strong appetite for familiar narratives presented through a local lens, which can resonate more deeply with regional audiences.
Having spent over 30 years at Warner Bros., Nguyen has a wealth of experience in overseeing local language film activities in Asia and Latin America. His impressive portfolio includes notable productions such as “Letters from Iwo Jima,” the “Rurouni Kenshin” franchise, and “The Age of Shadows,” which was Korea’s submission for the Oscars’ Best Foreign Language Film category in 2017. His deep understanding of the film production landscape in Asia positions him well to lead this new initiative.
Nguyen expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Warner Bros. again, stating, “It should come as no surprise that I have a great deal of respect and loyalty to Warner Bros. after spending the majority of my career there. I’m honored to be entrusted with some of their valuable IP to produce high-quality local language remakes with the best filmmakers in those countries.” He also highlighted his commitment to discovering and promoting new talent, aiming to find “diamond in the rough” projects that deserve global recognition.
In addition to his work on “The Intern,” Nguyen is also serving as an executive producer on the Korean remake of the Indian film “Drishyam,” produced in collaboration with Korea’s Anthology Studios and India’s Panorama Studios. This further demonstrates his dedication to bridging cultural narratives and expanding the reach of diverse storytelling.
The announcement of this first-look deal comes at a time when the demand for localized content is on the rise. Audiences in Asia are increasingly seeking familiar stories told in their own languages, and remakes of popular Hollywood films have proven to be a successful avenue for studios looking to tap into this market. By leveraging Nguyen’s expertise and connections, Warner Bros. aims to capitalize on this trend and deliver engaging content that resonates with local audiences.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between Warner Bros. and Jack Nguyen represents a strategic move to enhance the company’s footprint in Asia. With a focus on high-quality productions and local partnerships, this initiative is poised to bring fresh perspectives to beloved stories, ultimately enriching the cinematic landscape in the region.
The Korean remake of “The Intern” is expected to attract significant attention, given the original film’s popularity and the growing interest in local adaptations. As production progresses, fans of the original film and new audiences alike will be eager to see how this beloved story is reimagined through a Korean lens.
In conclusion, the first-look deal between Warner Bros. Discovery and Jack Nguyen marks an exciting new chapter for both parties. With a shared vision of creating compelling local-language remakes, this partnership is set to bring a wealth of talent and creativity to the forefront of the Asian film industry. As the project unfolds, it will be fascinating to witness the impact of this collaboration on the global cinematic landscape.
Source: Variety, THR
