The highly anticipated American adaptation of Train to Busan, titled The Last Train to New York, has hit a snag in its development process. Originally released in 2016 and helmed by Yeon Sang-ho, the South Korean film follows passengers on a train from Seoul to Busan as they face a devastating zombie outbreak. The film garnered international acclaim, resulting in the announcement of an American remake back in 2021. However, the film’s release was pushed back from its expected April 2023 date, leading fans to wonder about its current status.
Recently, director Timo Tjahjanto addressed these concerns directly on X (formerly Twitter). Responding to a fan inquiry regarding the progress of the project, Tjahjanto noted that although he has been prepared to commence filming since 2020, the project is currently “stalled”for reasons outside his management. His tweet encapsulated the frustrations of both fans and filmmakers alike:
I’ve been ready since 2020, but when a film is stalled that’s not up to the director. https://t.co/3WnFdlwTiN — Timo Tjahjanto (@Timobros) March 31, 2025
Implications of the Delay for The Last Train to New York
Current Project Outlook
While Tjahjanto’s focus may not currently be on The Last Train to New York, he is engaged in a variety of other projects. His recent Netflix release, The Shadow Strays, followed his successful 2018 film The Night Comes for Us. Additionally, he is gearing up for the theatrical release of Nobody 2, featuring Bob Odenkirk, set for August 15 this summer. Tjahjanto was also just confirmed to direct The Beekeeper 2 starring Jason Statham, with filming expected to commence later this year.
Given his packed schedule, the timeline for The Last Train to New York seems uncertain. Currently, he likely remains in post-production for Nobody 2, followed by jumping into production for The Beekeeper 2, which may be slated for a 2026 release. If The Last Train to New York does eventually proceed, it appears that substantial progress won’t take place until much later in 2026. Tjahjanto’s recent comments imply there are no concrete plans to advance the project at this time.
Considerations for a Remake of Train to Busan
Is There a Need for an American Remake?
The horror genre, particularly the zombie subgenre, has traversed varying levels of popularity in recent years. While it experienced a peak in the 2010s, exemplified by series like The Walking Dead and films like World War Z, its enchantment has diminished slightly. Train to Busan debuted at a pivotal moment, achieving significant traction even within the North American market despite its Korean dialogue. The film continues to stand the test of time, featuring gripping action sequences and remarkable performances from actors such as Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, and Kim Su-an.
The original film’s success led to the development of a sequel, Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula, released in 2020, with director Yeon Sang-ho expressing interest in a potential third installment. While there’s validity in appreciating the original, Tjahjanto’s unique vision might have brought fresh energy to the material, blending his martial arts background with the horror genre dynamically. While the American adaptation of Train to Busan is not completely dead, indications suggest that audiences should temper their expectations for its release in the near future.
Source: Timo Tjahjanto