Netflix To Make English-Language Version Of Korean Dystopian Movie ‘Time To Hunt’

Netflix is adapting K-drama Time to Hunt to English language

In a new move by Netflix, the streamer is remaking its Korean-language dystopian movie Time to Hunt. For the first time, Netflix is adapting one of its local-language films into English. In fact, the idea could give the popular series Squid Game a little competition with viewers.

Netflix to adapt K-drama Time to Hunt

The streaming channel has become popular for its K-drama content, with both Koreans and other language speakers worldwide. Now it seems Netflix has come full circle, adapting a Korean film into an English version.

Netflix is adapting K-drama Time to Hunt to English language
Scene from Time to Hunt [Image The Swoon/YouTube]
British director Adam Randall has been given the task of adapting the movie. This comes after Netflix worked with Randall on the vampire comedy Night Teeth. Meanwhile, the director is also known for the 2019 horror I See You.

The dystopian thriller, Time To Hunt debuted at the Berlin Film Festival last year. It tells the story of a group of young people in a near-future Korea hit by a financial crisis. This leads the youngsters to commit crimes in order to survive.

Lee Je-Hoon
Lee Je-Hoon [Image @leejehoon_official/Instagram]
Directed by Yoon Sung-hyun, the movie stars several rising Korean actors, including Ahn Jae-hong, Lee Je-hoon, Choi Woo-shik, Park Hae-soo and Park Jeong-min.

How the idea of the adaptation came about

Speaking to Deadline, Adam Randall said he watched the movie early in [COVID-19] lockdown and thought it was a “really strong concept.” He said Time to Hunt is a “half heist, half chase” movie, set in a near dystopia. Because of this fact, the movie combines three of his favorite cinematic genres.

Randall said the version he is working on is set in the US. He said it has a similar structure, but a different story. Randall said from what he understands, this is the first time Netflix has optioned one of its own foreign-language movies. According to him, the “option process was a little complicated but is now done.”

Netflix has not yet chosen a writer, but a 150-page document Randall pitched them this summer won the streamer over.

Other collaborations with Netflix besides Time to Hunt

The adaptation of Time to Hunt is Randall’s third collaboration with Netflix, after iBoy and Night Teeth. The latter was released on the streaming channel last month. He described the studio as being “incredibly supportive and collaborative.”

Randall also said he will be able to see viewing data for Night Teeth, an option Netflix has recently pledged to do with more of its filmmakers.

https://twitter.com/sjwglitch/status/1412806786923515909?s=20

It turns out Time to Hunt had a troubled time getting to the big screen. It was originally set for theatrical release in Korea in February last year. However, its producers had to put a pause on the movie due to the pandemic.

It was after it hit theaters in Korea that producer Little Big Pictures struck a world rights deal with Netflix. However, shortly before the film was to premiere online, international sales rep Contents Panda filed an injunction against the production company. It claimed that it still had a valid contract for the movie and had already signed more than 30 territory deals for the title.

Meanwhile, a Seoul court eventually granted the motion, but this led the Netflix release to be delayed. However, it finally went ahead in spring last year.

Netflix and local-language series

Netflix has gone on to enjoy huge global success with its local-language series. Among these, the streamer can boast such hits as Squid Game, Lupin, Money Heist and more. This made the need for English-language remakes less essential. However, on certain projects, especially one like Time to Hunt, it made sense.

You can watch the Korean-language trailer for Time to Hunt with English subtitles below.

Readers, are you intrigued that Netflix is making an English-language adaptation of Time to Hunt? Let us know by dropping a comment below.

 

Anne Sewell

One Comment

  1. Not happy that people keep stealing Korean content and making it in English. We should read subtitles. It’s not that difficult. Eventually, we get better at reading and it’s as if the subtitles aren’t there. We stole Masked Singer, A Good Doctor and now more stealing. It’s embarrassing. Also, lots of the content that Netflix likes to say it’s original to Netflix is not. Look Viki Channel and Asian Crush Channel. Drama Fever Channel was the BEST until Warner Bros bought them and shut them down because too many people were watching Korean Content and they didn’t like it. Netflix, on the other hand jumped on the bandwagon. I wouldn’t mind the remake too much if it was made including the Korean actors too. But it’s usually made with White actors and one Black one. No Latinos or Asians. So…. it’ll be disappointing. Hire Korean Writers and Directors if you’re lacking Creativity instead of Stealing their content. Have some honor! Hollywood has been beat. Accept it.

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