HONG KONG – “Like Father, Like Son,” the Japanese child swap drama that premiered in competition in Cannes has been licensed to DreamWorks SKG for English-language remake.
News of talks between rights holder Fuji Television and DreamWorks emerged at the end of August. Fuji confirmed this weekend that the deal is now done.
The Jury Prize-winning original film directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu film was released in Japanese theaters this weekend by Gaga Corporation.
“When I saw the film at Cannes, I was so impressed by its power to bring such a human story to the screen. Here at DreamWorks Studios, Stacey [Snider] and our team recognized that it was a story we wanted to remake to bring to our audiences throughout the world,” said DreamWorks co-founder Steven Spielberg in a statement provided by Fuji. Spielberg was president of the Cannes competition jury this year.
“I am honored that a company such as DreamWorks will be developing my film for American audiences. I’m looking forward to working with Steven Spielberg, for whom I have great admiration,” said Kore-eda.
DreamWorks has not confirmed whether Spielberg intends to direct.
The film was produced by Fuji TV, Amuse Inc., and Gaga. France’s Wild Bunch is handling sales in most international territories. U.S. rights to the Kore-eda film were acquired by Sundance Selects.
