John Woo is set to direct and produce a remake of the 1963 Yakuza film “Youth of the Beast.” Rob Frisbee wrote the adapted screenplay, titled “Day of the Beast,” which Woo will produce with Lion Rock Prods. partner Terence Chang and Nikkatsu Corporation president Naoki Sato.

The English-language “Beast” takes place in a Tokyo where a mysterious Westerner gets sucked into a turf war between the Yakuza and old-school Russian mobsters. Seijun Suzuki directed the original film.

“Among Nikkatsu’s 6,000+ film library, this is one of our most revered titles,” said Sato. “We have a tremendous amount of respect for Mr. Woo and are excited he is directing this film for the international market. We think this is a great way to start off the next 100 years of filmmaking history!”

Lori Tilkin, Aki Sugihara and Yoko Asakura are executive producers.

Lion Rock produced “Paycheck,” “Windtalkers,” “Bulletproof Monk” and “Red Cliff,” among others. Nikkatsu has produced “Yatterman” and “Cold Fish.”

Source: indiewire.com