Neon Plots 1,500-Theater US Release for Monster Movie ‘Hope,’ Widest Opening for a Korean Film Since ‘Parasite’

Neon will bring director Na Hong-jin's monster movie "Hope" to 1,500 U.S. theaters on September 9, setting a record as the largest domestic theatrical release for a Korean-language film since their Oscar-winning 2019 hit "Parasite". The film, penned and directed by Na, unfolds in the isolated South Korean village of Hope Harbor, where a mysterious creature terrorizes the residents. As local authorities and hunters attempt to confront the menace, they find themselves pursued, triggering a chain of events with dire outcomes.

The movie premiered at Cannes earlier this year, generating a lot of buzz, with mixed but noticeable reactions. Film critic Chase Hutchinson of TheWrap was particularly impressed, describing it as "a lean, mean action thrill ride, kicking off with one of the best extended sequences in recent memory and proceeding to run with that energy for as long as it possibly can."

Neon is confident in "Hope", backed by sold-out early screenings, promising presales, and premieres in top-tier formats like Dolby, 4-DX, and D-Box. If the film succeeds, Na has already drafted a sequel script, indicating potential for a franchise. At Cannes, he expressed eagerness to continue the story, saying, "When you watch the film, you can readily imagine a sequel.

There’s a script that’s already been written, and if I have an opportunity, I’d love to make a sequel if possible." He added, "We’ll see how the baton will change hands," possibly suggesting the first film may take center stage in the sequel due to the lack of creature development.

This unwavering support for "Hope" reflects Neon's commitment to Korean cinema. The studio, alongside "Parasite", previously released Park Chan-wook's critically acclaimed "No Other Choice", and re-released Park's classic "Oldboy". The ensemble cast for "Hope" includes Hoyeon, Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender. "Hope" is produced by Forged Films, co-produced by Plus M Entertainment and Westworld, and is presented and distributed by Plus M Entertainment.