Hope: Na Hong-jin's Sci-Fi Thriller Makes History with Overseas Pre-Sales
Na Hong-jin's latest sci-fi action thriller, Hope, has made history with its high number of overseas pre-sales, surpassing 200 territories. The film, which premiered at Cannes, has been acquired by various distributors worldwide. Focus Features and UPI France have secured rights for France, Benelux, and South Africa, while Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has obtained rights for Portugal, Scandinavia, Iceland, Israel, and the Middle East. In Asia, rights have been acquired by different distributors for various regions.
The story of Hope is set in a remote village near Korea's Demilitarized Zone, where a police chief is faced with a shocking revelation of a tiger's appearance, leading to chaos in the village. The film features a talented cast including Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Hoyeon, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton, with appearances by Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender. The production has already recouped a significant portion of its budget through pre-sales.
Na Hong-jin, the writer and director of Hope, has also confirmed plans for a sequel to the film. Known for his previous works like The Chaser, The Yellow Sea, and The Wailing, Na has established himself as a prominent filmmaker with a strong presence at Cannes. The film is produced by Forged Films and co-produced by Plus M Entertainment Westworld, with a local release in South Korea scheduled for the summer.
With its captivating storyline and talented cast, Hope is set to make a mark in the international film market. The success of the film's pre-sales indicates a strong interest from audiences worldwide, setting the stage for a promising release and potential sequels in the future.