Shah Rukh Khan’s King a remake of Léon: The Professional, earlier remade by Bobby Deol?2

Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action spectacle King has already become one of Bollywood’s most talked-about films. Beyond the scale and star power, the emotional hook lies in Suhana Khan’s theatrical debut opposite her father. After the teaser drop and the recent release date announcement, fans were treated to striking glimpses of SRK in a gritty, battle-worn avatar. But amid the excitement, an unexpected debate surfaced online - is King actually a remake?

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Social Media Spots Familiar Parallels

A section of netizens quickly drew comparisons between King and Luc Besson’s 1994 cult classic Léon: The Professional. A viral post even claimed, “It’s confirmed: King is a remake,” pointing out similarities in the core premise - a hardened hitman protecting and training a young girl seeking revenge after losing her family.

The theory suggests SRK steps into Léon’s shoes, while Suhana mirrors Mathilda, the emotionally scarred child turned apprentice. The resemblance in the mentor–protégé dynamic has fueled endless discussions.

The Legacy of Léon

For film lovers, Léon: The Professional remains iconic. Jean Reno’s solitary assassin forms a tender bond with 12-year-old Mathilda, played by Natalie Portman, after her family is brutally murdered by a corrupt cop. What begins as survival turns into an unlikely emotional connection, blending quiet affection with explosive action. Stylish yet heartbreaking, the film turned a cold-blooded killer into a tragic guardian.

It’s this emotional blueprint that fans now believe King might echo.

But Didn’t Bollywood Do It Before? Enter Bichhoo

Interestingly, this narrative isn’t new to Hindi cinema either. Many fans were quick to recall Bobby Deol’s Bichhoo.

In the film, Deol played Jeeva, a restrained yet lethal assassin who trains a young woman, portrayed by Rani Mukerji, to avenge her parents’ death. The story mixed revenge with vulnerability, presenting a killer with a conscience.

With Bichhoo already sharing tonal similarities with Léon, some wonder if King is simply revisiting a familiar genre rather than directly remaking anything.

What King Actually Promises

Speculation aside, King is mounted as a grand action-thriller. Directed by Siddharth Anand and produced under Red Chillies Entertainment, the film reportedly unfolds across dual timelines, packed with stylized combat and emotional stakes. Shah Rukh Khan leads the charge in a rugged role, while Suhana’s character forms the emotional core.

The ensemble cast adds to the hype - Abhishek Bachchan as the antagonist, with Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, and Rani Mukerji in key roles. Slated for a December 2026 release, the film aims to deliver a large-scale cinematic experience.

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Remake or Mere Rumour?

Despite the online chatter, there is no official confirmation calling King a remake. For now, the comparisons remain speculative. After all, themes of revenge, mentorship, and redemption are timeless storytelling devices that cinema across the world often revisits. Until the film hits theatres, the mystery continues.

Whether homage, adaptation, or a completely fresh take, King has already ensured one thing - everyone is watching.