Korea's CJ Entertainment has confirmed that it has picked up worldwide rights, excluding Japan, to Kim Jee-woon's The Good, The Bad And The Weird, while producer Barunson is handling Japanese rights.

The film was previously sold internationally by Cineclick Asia whose founder Suh Youngjoo recently quit to found international sales outfit Fine Cut. Suh was able to transfer some titles from Cineclick to Fine Cut, but not Kim's film as rights remained with the producer.

Barunson brought in CJ Entertainment last year as an additional financier on the film, which was shot in China, and is scheduled for Korean release in July. The producers are hoping to have it ready in time for Cannes.

Described as an oriental Western set in 1930s Manchuria, the film stars three of Korea's hottest actors: Song Kang-ho, from hit monster movie The Host, Lee Byung-hoon from Kim's previous Cannes entry A Bittersweet Life, and Jung Woo-sung from Musa: The Warrior.

Meanwhile, CJ also announced that Park Chan-wook's upcoming vampire film, at one time known as Bat, will be entitled Thirst and start shooting in March with Song Kang-ho in the lead.

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