Neon Secures Rights to Bong Joon Ho's Animated Feature 'Ally' for 2027 Release
Neon has secured the rights to Bong Joon Ho's first animated feature film, "Ally," set to be released in 2027. This collaboration marks their first project since the success of "Parasite" in 2019, which made history as the first South Korean film to win multiple Oscars, including Best Picture and Best International Feature. "Ally" follows the story of a piglet squid named Ally, living in the depths of the South Pacific Ocean, who dreams of exploring the surface world and becoming a wildlife documentary star. However, her peaceful life is disrupted when a mysterious aircraft crashes into the ocean, leading her on an extraordinary journey with her unique companions.
The film has been in development since 2019 and is the sixth collaboration between Director Bong and Neon CEO Tom Quinn. Financing and distribution are managed by CJ ENM, Penture Invest, and Pathé, with Barunson C&C overseeing production. Seo Woo-sik serves as the producer, having previously worked with Director Bong on "Mother" and "Okja." The script for "Ally" was co-written by Director Bong and Jason Yu. Neon's SVP Acquisitions, Sarah Colvin, negotiated the North American rights deal with WME on behalf of the filmmakers.
Pathé will handle the distribution of "Ally" in France, Benelux, Switzerland, and West Africa, while CJ and Penture will distribute the film in South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey, and Indonesia. Pathé will also manage international sales, excluding specific regions, which will be handled by CJ and Penture. The announcement of Neon's acquisition of "Ally" comes just before Cannes, where the studio will showcase a lineup of films in competition and Directors' Fortnight, including works by acclaimed directors such as James Gray, Cristian Mungiu, and Hirokazu Koreeda.
In conclusion, Neon's collaboration with Bong Joon Ho on "Ally" promises to deliver a captivating animated adventure that continues the filmmaker's legacy of storytelling excellence. With a unique premise and a talented team behind the project, "Ally" is set to captivate audiences with its imaginative narrative and stunning visuals.