In 2016, Korean actor Gong Yoo led a group of survivors in their battle against the half-dead in the zombie classic Train to Busan. The apocalyptic film gained immense popularity even before the global audience was captivated by the K-content phenomenon. Shortly after the release directed by Yeon Sang-Ho, a potential American spinoff titled The Last Train to New York was announced. However, it was later removed from the Warner Bros. release schedule. Nevertheless, this does not signify the end of the project, as James Wan, who is attached as its producer, continues to work towards its realization.
Train to busan franchise
Following the success of Train to Busan in 2016, two additional films were incorporated into its franchise: the animated prequel Seoul Station, which was released in the same year as the original film, and the second installment, Peninsula, which did not achieve the anticipated success in 2020. The Last Train to New York was intended to be a spinoff. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wan disclosed the current status of The Last Train to New York’s production. He stated that he remained committed to producing the film. He clarified that it was not a remake, but rather a spin-off focusing on U.S. citizens confronting the same zombie epidemic that is occurring in Korea.
Status of The Last Train to New York
This remains a project that we are truly passionate about. Creatively, it is set in the same universe as Train to Busan. The epidemic is unfolding globally. Therefore, while Train to Busan represents a specific segment of the narrative in South Korea, our intention is for Train to New York to be situated in America. The entire concept is incredibly thrilling. I sincerely hope that it can eventually come to fruition. To be candid, I am uncertain about its current status,” Wan expressed. Train to Busan features Gong Yoo in the lead role, alongside Jung Yu-Mi, Ma Dong-Seok, Kim Su-An, Choi Woo-Shik, Ahn So-Hee, and Kim Eui-Sung. This action-filled expedition through a viral apocalypse has, over the years, established itself as a classic in the zombie film genre
