Warner Bros. and producers Brad Grey and Brad Pitt have won a shootout for the right to remake “Infernal Affairs,” the Andrew Lau-directed actioner that was Hong Kong’s top-grossing film in 2002. WB beat out at least four other studios, paying $1.75 million.

Grey and Pitt will develop the film through the still-unnamed WB shingle in which they are partners along with Jennifer Aniston. Pitt may play one of two cops who become the central players in a web of deceit, duplicity and brotherhood as cops try to bring down a drug lord.

Made by Media Asia, “Infernal Affairs” was screened for studios early last week. Asian films have been selling like crazy for Hollywood remakes, and the “Infernal” premise was so promising that Daily Variety‘s review mentioned the high redo potential. DreamWorks placed a bid immediately, and other participants in the auction were Paramount, Miramax and Fox/New Regency.

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