Netflix is reportedly planning a U.S. remake of the Korean drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
On July 23, U.S. media outlet Deadline reported that Netflix is developing an American adaptation of the series. The remake will be led by creator and showrunner Leila Gerstein, with KristieAnne Reed producing for Jerry Bruckheimer Television, sources told the outlet.
Regarding the rumors, a representative from Korean production company AStory stated it is ‘difficult to provide an answer’ regarding the remake. Netflix has not made further comments about the drama’s adaptation for the US audience.
However, AStory had previously stated in an official press release that global remake production is underway and progressing smoothly.
Gerstein, who will allegedly serve as writer and executive producer on the Extraordinary Attorney Woo adaptation, has previously developed Hart of Dixie and Saint X. Her writing credits also include Gossip Girl, The Handmaid’s Tale, Mrs. America, and Looking for Alaska.
Jerry Bruckheimer Television, the company behind Lucifer, CSI, and The Amazing Race, is rumored to be in charge of production. It is currently producing Fire Country, now entering its fourth season on CBS.
The original version of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, written by Moon Ji Won and directed by Yoo In Sik, aired on South Korea’s ENA channel from June to August 2022.
The drama follows Woo Young Woo, a rookie attorney with autism spectrum disorder, as she navigates the challenges of working at a top law firm in Seoul.
Actress Park Eun Bin played the lead role. The drama depicted her challenges with social interaction and prejudice in the workplace, as well as her unique approach to solving legal cases.
It became one of the most successful and watched K-dramas in 2022. It achieved the highest viewership ratings in ENA’s history. According to Nielsen Korea, the final episode recorded nationwide viewership ratings of 17.5 percent. It ranked number one on Netflix Korea’s Top 10 chart for 43 days during its broadcast period.
Global data from FlixPatrol showed that it also ranked in the top 10 for non-English language content on Netflix worldwide.
The drama received critical acclaim for its writing, direction, and acting performances. The series won multiple awards, including Best Drama and Best Actress at the 2022 Asia Contents Awards and the 2023 Baeksang Arts Awards.
Netflix is continuing its trend of turning hit international shows into English-language versions, with a U.S. remake now in the works. A similar example is The Good Doctor, which successfully made the jump from Korean TV to American screens. The streamer is also reportedly developing an American version of Squid Game, with filmmaker David Fincher said to be involved.
No details have been confirmed about the Extraordinary Attorney Woo remake cast, release date, or production timeline of the American version. The Korean production company and Netflix have not made further comments.
