Korean actress likely to appear in "Phone" Hollywood remake

A Korean actress is highly likely to be cast for the Hollywood remake of film "Phone", according to its director Ahn Byung-ki.

Ahn, who created the 2002 horror flick based on incidents surrounding mobile phones, has also been set to direct the U.S. version.

"I openly stated that I wish for a Korean actress to make an appearance in the film, regardless of the weight of her role," Ahn said at a press conference Thursday announcing the remake of the film.

When asked about the possibility of original lead actress Ha Ji-won appearing in the remake, Ahn said the two had briefly spoken at the Blue Dragon Film Awards the previous day. "She will not make a cameo appearance though," the director affirmed.

He also expressed his hopes of being able to do a better job with the remake. "I had not been able to put the story in its entirety into the original version because we were shooting on a low budget. But I think I'll be able to portray every element to its fullest this time," Ahn explained.

This is the first time a Korean filmmaker has been set to take on his own work for a Hollywood remake. Hence, unlike previous Hollywood adaptions, the remake for "Phone" is expected to maintain much of its original flavor.

L.A.-based Imprint Entertaiment, which participated in the production of Hollywood film "Twilight" and "New Moon", will invest in the remake aiming for a release in the second half of 2011.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr