Kevin Hart May Star in US Version of Korean Mega-hit 'Extreme Job'
The Korean film "Extreme Job" is getting an English-language remake, and Kevin Hart may take a starring role.
Hart is working on the project with "Girls Trip" writer Tracy Oliver and the Korean company CJ Entertainment, Deadline reports. He'll produce through his entertainment company, HartBeat Productions, and possibly star, while Oliver is set to adapt the script. Universal will distribute the film.
The original film made history at the Korean box office earlier this year. It became the region's all-time highest-grossing film and has brought in $127 million there, per Deadline. CJ Entertainment's head of U.S. productions, Francis Chung, said that the film has become "such a phenomenon in Korea" that they knew they had to make a U.S. version with "powerhouses" on board.
The story is a comedy that centers on a team of narcotics detectives who unexpectedly turn a fried chicken restaurant into a wild success when they're supposed to be working undercover to take down an organized crime gag. Oliver called the concept "so unique," while Hart indicated that HartBeat is "always seeking out fun projects" like this one.
Hart recently starred in the comedy "Night School" and the comedy-drama "The Upside." The actor also voices a character in the upcoming "Secret Life of Pets 2" and stars in the next "Jumanji" film.
The "Extreme Job" remake's producers are Hart, Oliver, and Chung, and its co-producers are HartBeat's Carli Haney and CJ's Fred Lee and Ini Chung. Jerry Ko will executive produce for CJ.
[via: Deadline]