Sony Classics on board for Zhang Yimou's Blood Simple remake

SPC is a production partner on the film and has acquired rights for North America, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. Bill Kong will produce.

The thriller-comedy will be set in a Chinese noodle shop in desert, rather than in a Texas bar. The noodle shop owner’s scheme to murder his adulterous wife and her love goes awry in a society more accustomed to knives and swords rather than guns.

This project marks the 11th collaboration between the director and distributor, starting with 1991’s Raise The Red Lantern and including Zhang’s most recent film, 2006’s Curse Of The Golden Flower. SPC also has the rights to Zhang’s debut film, 1987’s Red Sorghum.

The film is also SPC’s fifth collaboration with Kong, which started with Ang Lee’s 2000 hit Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.

In a statement, SPC co-presidents and co-founders Michael Barker and Tom Bernard said: “The idea of a remake of Blood Simple as seen through the eyes of Zhang Yimou’s masterful visual elegance and clever narrative twists is genius. Our continued partnership over the years with both Zhang Yimou and Bill Kong has always been so fruitful. We are excited to be back in business with them.”

Zhang Yimou added: “I am very happy working with Sony Pictures Classics again, they have always done a great job and I am looking forward to be with them again.”

The Blood Simple remake is Zhang’s first film after creating the lauded opening and closing ceremonies at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.