Is A Remake Really Necessary?

So this book has been taunting me for a few days now. I don't know if I can get into it or not, and since the swedish version of the movie has just come out on DVD I am tempted to just watch it so I don't have to finish reading the book (trust me tiny writing is not doing it any favours). I am talking about the hugely popular series and the first book in the trilogy, "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo." Okay, this is not a book blog, it is a movie blog and this year a Swedish version of the movie (yes even with subtitles) was released to major box office success in Sweden, as well as made a hefty profit in both America and Australia with limited release in one of the toughest seasons of movies. The studio had a successful film on it's hands. So why then is America already remaking it? Yes the book was developed by a Swedish author, whose work has been translated to English, but the movie was just released last year in Sweden and the rest of the world not much more than 6 months ago. Why didn't they just develop an American one to begin with then? I have not seen the Swedish version, but straight away when the movie is released December 2011 comparisons will automoatically be made. The Swedish version has received much praise, just like the books. But what the Swedish does not have is star power and a big name director who will be given the budget he desires due to the books huge following and success. The buzz is David Fincher will be on board to direct who delivered us such amazing movies like "Fight Club" "Seven" and "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" David is very good at creating dark, eerie and visually fascinated movies which this book will definitely need. Along with a great director the cast needs to be top notch as the book is loved by so many people that a bad casting choice could turn people against this remake. Rumoured to be on board is Daniel (when is the new 007 coming out) Craig, Robin (I am one of the most underrated actresses working in Hollywood) Wright, Stellan (Mama Mia) Skarsgard and the highly sought after part of the girl with the dragon tattoo has gone to the virtually unknown Rooney Mara. Giving that Rooney is going to play the title character and with not many films under her belt she has a great mission now to pull off Lisbeth. With the Swedish actress already gaining praise for her interpretation of the character, can Rooney prove that she can make this work? And can the rest of the cast make this one series that may survive the curse of the remake? Only time will tell, hopefully this reviewer will have finished the book by then and have watched the Swedish version to see who did it better. I am not going to be biased I will be sure that I give them both a fair go (even if I am not a fan of subtitles). But right now I do want to watch how they are going to bring this page turner to the big screen for the mainstream, and see what all the fuss is about this girl with a dragon tattoo.