Universal has tapped Chris MacBride to write the remake of the Korean film 'Confession of Murder,' with Glen Powell producing.
Universal Pictures has confirmed its acquisition of the remake rights to the acclaimed 2012 South Korean film Confession of Murder. The announcement was made on September 3, 2026. Chris MacBride has been selected to pen the script, and Glen Powell, along with Dan Cohen, will produce through their company Barnstorm. Naomi Funabashi and Rishi Rajani from Winged Tiger will also join the production team.
Chris MacBride is known for his recent projects, including a feature pitch titled Kingmakers, which he sold to Netflix. His prior work includes scripts for projects like The Wolf for Amazon MGM Studios and a rewrite of Face/Off 2 for Paramount. MacBride's pitch for Confession of Murder remains undisclosed, signaling a fresh creative vision that deviates from the original.
The original Confession of Murder, directed by Jung Byung-gil, centers on the aftermath of a suspected murderer who publishes a book detailing his crimes—prompting an investigation that unfolds throughout the narrative. This blend of psychological thriller elements, coupled with social commentary, captivated audiences and set high expectations for its American remake. The film starred Jung Jae-Yung and was produced by Billy Acumen.
While it has not been announced whether Acumen will be involved in this adaptation, his experience with the original raises questions about continuity and thematic fidelity in the remake. Universal's Christine Sun is overseeing the new project, ensuring alignment with the studio's vision.
Glen Powell, who co-founded Barnstorm in 2025, has rapidly made a name for himself in the industry. His production company has various projects lined up, including The Comeback King, which releases on February 5, 2027. Barnstorm is also developing a film about Lou Gehrig, directed by Richard Linklater. These developments suggest Barnstorm's rising profile in Hollywood, particularly in handling adaptations and original screenplays.
The decision to remake Confession of Murder taps into a broader trend of revisiting international films for American audiences. Past remakes have experienced varying levels of success, impacting audience expectations. By enlisting a known screenwriter like Chris MacBride and experienced producers, Universal aims to attract both fans of the original film and new viewers unfamiliar with its source material.
While Universal has embraced the storytelling potential of Confession of Murder, the adaptation’s reception will ultimately depend on the balance struck between originality and homage to the original narrative. The psychological thriller genre has shown robust audience interest, suggesting a favorable environment for the film’s development.
The adaptation of Confession of Murder remains a significant development, marking Universal’s commitment to transforming compelling international narratives for the American market. With a well-rounded production team and an acclaimed source material, audiences can expect an exciting new interpretation of the original film’s gripping storyline.
For further reading about Universal’s upcoming projects, check out our articles on Barnstorm's New Film and Glen Powell’s Rise in Hollywood.
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