
Director Na Hong-jin's new film 'HOPE' has set its premiere for the summer of 2026, unveiling a special casting photo that showcases a blend of actors from both Korea and Hollywood.
'HOPE' begins with the story of 'Beom-seok', the head of a dispatch office located in the Demilitarized Zone, who hears from local youths that a tiger has appeared, plunging the entire village into an emergency amidst an unbelievable reality.
Continuously challenging himself with each project and changing the paradigm of Korean cinema, Director Na Hong-jin has spent a long time preparing 'HOPE' to offer an unforgettable cinematic experience and extreme fun.
The special casting photo released captures the overwhelming presence and synergy of the actors in 'HOPE'.
Actor Hwang Jung-min, who has created unforgettable characters in every film he's been in, teams up with Director Na Hong-jin for the second time after 'The Wailing' in 'HOPE', taking on the role of 'Beom-seok', the head of the dispatch office in Hoho Port, filling the drama with intense immersion. The role of 'Seong-gi', a village youth who chases after the creature attacking the town and heads to the mountains, is played by Zo In-sung, who dominates the screen with his three-dimensional acting and raw action, delivering a fearless performance.
Jung Ho-yeon, who has captivated fans worldwide with her unique personality and energy, makes a powerful screen debut in 'HOPE' as 'Seong-ae', a police officer with clear personal standards.
Joining them, Hollywood actors will take on alien characters, promising to overwhelm the audience. Michael Fassbender, known for his limitless spectrum of roles in the 'X-Men' series, '12 Years a Slave', and 'Alien: Covenant', and Alicia Vikander, who has won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 'The Danish Girl' and has shown versatility in 'Jason Bourne' and 'Tomb Raider', are set to show what synergy they can create with Director Na Hong-jin.
Additionally, Taylor Russell, who received the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor at the Venice International Film Festival for 'Bones and All', and Cameron Britton, who left a strong impression as a notorious serial killer in the Netflix series 'Mindhunter', complete the powerful global casting lineup of 'HOPE'.
Regarding working with the cast of 'HOPE', Director Na Hong-jin expressed, "I am deeply grateful to the actors who accepted the offer and delivered passionate performances. They have brought to life all the elements this film aims to convey with their utmost talent and focus. Their combination is truly astonishing every time."
Currently in post-production, 'HOPE' is scheduled to meet audiences in theaters in the summer of 2026.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)