Inoue's LONE WOLF AND CUB: FINAL CONFLICT To Be Remade In English Next Year
Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s with an affinity for Asian cinema, it’s understandable to share fandom with Koike Kazuo’s 1970 manga franchise, Lone Wolf And Cub, which later grew to fruition in film and television, as well as on stage. Produced from 1972 through 1974, six films were made starring Wakayama Tomisaburo as the Shogun’s executioner, Ogami Itto, who journeys the land with his only son to avenge his family and redeem himself following his disgrace at the hands of a rival clan.
The manga franchise itself took on new life in different interpretations thereafter, including a 1993 retelling from Zatoichi TV series helmer Inoue Akira in the form of Lone Wolf And Cub: Final Conflict. That film is now the subject of an English-language remake from producer Steven Paul over at SP International Pictures who have now attained its remake and sequel rights from Koike Kazuo Gekiga Sonjuku, Inc. and are expected to commence filming next year with a Japanese cast.
Interestingly enough, Fast franchise and Star Trek: Beyond helmer Justin Lin, now up to adapt manga/anime property, Akira, was once up to helm an American version for Kamala Films. Only time will tell when that will happen while it now rests in the hands of Paul whose credits include Ghost Rider and its sequel with Nicolas Cage, adaptations of Namco Bandai’s Tekken fighting game franchise with actors Jon Foo and Kosugi Kane, the latter for its sequel, as well as a remake announced last summer.
via Variety:
“I have been a huge fan of the property for many years and can’t tell you how excited I am to have the opportunity to embark on this journey,” Paul said in a statement.
Paul’s latest active film, an adaptation of Ghost In The Shell from Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures is releasing on March 31, 2017. As for Lone Wolf And Cub: Final Conflict, I have my own ideas on an English-language remake of a piece like this; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword Of Destiny didn’t hugely sit well with myself or a lot of fans who missed the authenticity of its predecessor and so there’s a lot to be taken away by rewriting something like Lone Wolf And Cub in English.
I’m guessing it will depend on how the project is treated, partly in terms of who will direct, write and star. Suffice it to say though, I am on the fence while I also have my own opinions on who I would like to see cast for the role of Itto. At any rate, tell us your thoughts about the film in the comment section, and share with us who would you pick!