Korean horror pic Hide and Seek is bound for Hollywood, and Avatar‘s Joel David Moore has been placed in control of the English-language remake.
Deadline has the scoop, confirming that Moore will now adapt and direct Hide and Seek for CJ Entertainment. Initially released in 2013, Huh Jung’s social horror-thriller grossed more than $35 million in Korea alone, so it’s no wonder Hollywood executives have been circling.
No further details were disclosed about the project’s timeline, but a remake of this size will likely have a relatively quick turnaround. Either way, Joel David Moore will be building on the directorial experience he gained on Youth In Oregon, the 2016 drama starring Frank Langella and Justice League‘s Billy Crudup.
Hide and Seek is, of course, a completely different kettle of fish, as Deadline describes the project as a “social horror-thriller that centered on a man searching for his long-lost brother who stumbles upon a secret world of squatters living in the homes of unsuspecting tenants — a revelation that becomes all the more menacing when his home becomes the next target. This film explored the question of “what if” when those in society left marginalized decide to take matters into their own hands.”
Because make no mistake, this is a film that Moore holds near and dear. In a statement released to Deadline, the actor-cum-director outlined his desire to explore its “rich and complex world.”
Hide and Seek is a sharp, sophisticated thriller that created a lasting imprint on me. I wanted to explore what could happen if we retold this story to an American audience, using the tools from the original story. We found a rich and complex world, relevant to our current race, class and power struggles we’re seeing here in America. I’m excited to partner with CJ Entertainment, perfect partners on this journey.
We’ll be keeping track of Hide and Seek as the necessary pieces begin to fall into place. Looking further afield, Joel David Moore has also committed his immediate future to James Cameron’s fledgling Avatar franchise, which will soon evolve into a five-film saga. You know, providing the next two instalments don’t fall flat.
