Na Hong-jin Returns With ‘Hope’ and New TV Spot Promises Alien Chaos

Korean cinema has seen its share of innovative filmmakers in the past decade, but few have garnered the cult following of Na Hong-jin. Known for his works like ‘The Chaser,’ ‘The Yellow Sea,’ and ‘The Wailing,’ Na has been absent from feature filmmaking for nearly ten years, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next project.

This year, the anticipation reached a peak, culminating in a divisive premiere that sparked intense discussions among critics. Few festival films have ignited such passionate debate recently, with reactions ranging from sheer admiration to confusion within the same viewing.

Now, the excitement is making its way to American theaters. A new TV spot for Na’s sci-fi film ‘Hope’ has been released, showcasing glowing reviews, chaotic alien action, and one particularly furious creature, ahead of the film’s theatrical debut on September 9 through Neon.

Set in the secluded village of Hope Harbor, near South Korea’s heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone, ‘Hope’ follows local police chief Bum-seok and rookie officer Sung-ae as they respond to a mysterious creature causing havoc. What begins as a routine investigation quickly escalates into a bizarre situation, involving a group of local hunters who soon find themselves being hunted.

The film premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in the Main Competition, where it reportedly received a six-minute standing ovation, alongside a wave of mixed reviews. Some critics hailed it as an instant cult classic and a triumph of the genre, while others criticized its uneven visual effects and unconventional pacing, making it one of the most discussed titles from this year’s festival.

During a Cannes press conference with his cast, Na shared that he aimed to create something that felt primitive rather than modern, likening his vision to films from an earlier era. He humorously admitted to having to trick his high-profile actors into joining the project due to the dangerous nature of the film’s action sequences, as reported by TheWrap. He also mentioned that he has already penned a sequel script, should the opportunity arise.

The film features a star-studded ensemble cast that extends beyond Korea. Hwang Jung-min and Zo In-sung lead the human narrative, while ‘Squid Game’ breakout Hoyeon makes her feature film debut as the principled young officer at the heart of the crisis. The cast also includes Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton as the extraterrestrial beings that disrupt the town.

At two hours and forty minutes, ‘Hope’ is a significant commitment for a genre film, but reports indicate that this length is intentional. The project is said to have the largest budget of any Korean film to date, and Korean producer Plus M Entertainment pre-sold the film to around 200 territories before its Cannes premiere, setting a record for a Korean title and allowing the production to recoup nearly half its budget ahead of release.

Neon, which acquired North American, UK, and Australian rights prior to the Cannes premiere, is clearly positioning ‘Hope’ as a major cinematic event rather than a niche festival offering. With its massive alien creature designs, an internationally renowned cast, and Na’s long-awaited return to feature filmmaking, the marketing strategy has heavily emphasized spectacle.

Whether ‘Hope’ will meet the high expectations set by its most enthusiastic reviews or become a more divisive genre experiment remains to be seen as wider audiences get a chance to experience it.

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