Na Hong-jin Previews Alien Action Film 'Hope' at Comic-Con

Director Na Hong-jin previewed his upcoming alien action film Hope at San Diego Comic-Con, according to Variety. The South Korean auteur made his debut at the convention to discuss the project and show exclusive footage.

Na described Hope as a continuation of the thematic metaphors in his previous work, but a complete departure in style and content. He advised the audience to abandon any assumptions from films like The Chaser or The Wailing before seeing this one.

What is the movie about?

The film is set in the remote village of Hope Harbor, where a mysterious creature wreaks havoc. Local police and hunters set out to track the beast, only to find themselves becoming the hunted. Na emphasized that perceptions are misleading in the story.

Who stars in the film?

The international cast is led by Hwang Jung-min, with Hoyeon playing a tenacious police officer. Na said casting Hoyeon was one of his best decisions for the project, a ten-year passion project. Hwang had recommended her for the role, telling the director, "He said that if you meet her, you realize how special of a person she is." The cast also includes Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton.

What did the Comic-Con footage show?

Hoyeon introduced two exclusive clips via a video message. The first showed Hwang Jung-min and a group of men fighting through their town's wreckage before confronting a gigantic alien. The second was an extended chase scene where a character leaps from a horse into a police car while being pursued down a highway by a fanged creature.

Na revealed the most difficult scene to shoot was a different chase sequence with characters fleeing on horseback through a forest. He also praised Hoyeon's dedication, sharing that she spent six months learning to drive a manual car to perform her own stunts. "After six months, she reached a point where she could perform those drafts at very different, difficult angles too," Na said.

Will there be a sequel?

During the panel's Q&A, Na teased that "90%" of the characters in the film might perish. The film premiered in competition at this year's Cannes Film Festival, where Na stated he already has a script for a potential sequel. "I think you can readily imagine this sequel. And there’s a script that’s already been done that I’d like to shoot," he said.