John Woo is revisiting his iconic 1989 action thriller The Killer with a new remake that’s set to premiere on Peacock. This fresh take, described as a “radical re-imagining”, features Nathalie Emmanuel and Omar Sy in leading roles.
The original film, which starred Chow Yun-Fat and catapulted both Yun-Fat and Woo to international fame, is a staple of Hong Kong cinema. Over thirty years later, Woo’s new project is bringing the story to a global streaming audience, despite Peacock not being available in Asia where the original movie has a significant following.
The Killer will reintroduce audiences to a world of stylised violence and complex characters. Nathalie Emmanuel (Furious 7, Army of Thieves) stars as Zee, a Parisian assassin dubbed ‘The Queen of the Dead’, known for her lethal efficiency. Opposite her, Omar Sy (Lupin, Jurassic World) plays a police investigator who becomes entangled with Zee after she makes a life-altering decision not to kill a blinded woman, played by Diana Silvers (Glass, Birds of Paradise).
IGN released three first-look images showcasing Emmanuel and Sy in intense and dynamic scenes typical of Woo’s direction, along with a behind-the-scenes snapshot featuring the director himself. These images hint at both the tension and camaraderie between the characters, suggesting a plot that weaves together themes of morality, law, and personal integrity.
The storyline develops as Zee’s refusal to execute her assignment draws her and Sy into an unexpected alliance. Despite being on opposite sides of the law, they discover a shared sense of honour and a personal code that binds them in their quest for justice.
Speaking about the characters and their interaction, Emmanuel highlighted to IGN the parallels between Zee and Sy, noting their recognition of themselves in each other despite their differing stances on legality.
John Woo’s approach to action sequences, which Emmanuel likened to dance, promises a visually enthralling experience. Known for his romantic and kinetic style, Woo ensures that the film’s action is not just seen but felt, evoking a balletic violence that is both elegant and thrilling.
The cast also includes Sam Worthington as Zee’s mentor Finn, along with notable French actors such as Eric Cantona, Tchéky Karyo, and Grégory Montel, enriching the film’s international flavor. Screenwriter Brian Helgeland collaborates with Woo to bring this ambitious vision to life.
With its 23 August release, The Killer aims to capture the essence of the original while presenting a modern narrative that explores deep themes of kinship and morality within its high-octane, beautifully choreographed action sequences.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
A'bidah Zaid
