Na Hong-jin Reveals the Hope Sequel Is Already Written

So, here comes Korea with another massive genre swing, and honestly, this one's a bit of a wild ride. Na Hong-jin, who proper put himself on the global cinema map with The Chaser and The Wailing, just dropped his latest, a creature action flick called Hope. The film’s made its debut at Cannes, and judging by some of the first reactions, it’s already threatening to go full international phenomenon.

If you’re a fan of insanity on screen, apparently Hope delivers in spades. In fact, one reviewer (Chris Bumbray) gave it a 9 out of 10 and reckons, and I quote – "Cannes hasn’t seen carnage like this since Fury Road." Make of that what you will. But he also warns – and this is for the spoiler-averse out there – that the less you know before going in, the better. So, watch your step if you’re trying to dodge plot details before release, because the hype machine tends to leak all over the place (and yes, we’re ironically part of that problem... sorry).

Is a Sequel Already Lined Up?

Here’s where it gets interesting. During Cannes, Na Hong-jin turned up with his cast for the press rounds, and more or less let slip that he’s not done with this world yet. Apparently, there’s already a finished script for a sequel, ready to go if he gets the chance. He laid it out for the press:

'I think you can readily imagine this sequel. And there’s a script that’s already been done that I’d like to shoot. So if I have the opportunity, I would indeed make a sequel if possible.'

So, no beating about the bush – if the interest is there, we’re likely getting another helping. (No Hollywood-style “maybe in a decade” dithering, either – he sounds quite ready to jump right in.)

Yep, That’s Alicia Vikander & Michael Fassbender

Oh, and in case you missed it: the film stars real-life couple Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender. Vikander says she fell for Asian cinema ages ago, had actually wanted to work with Na Hong-jin on something else, but that first project fizzled. As luck would have it, he approached her again years later about Hope – and she signed on without a second thought:

'I didn’t think. I said yes! I think director Na is incredible, such a visionary, and I felt very honoured to be part of his film.'

Fassbender, in classic deadpan, claimed he signed up simply because 'Alicia told me to do it.' To which Vikander quipped back, 'He listens to me!' Always useful in a marriage and, apparently, film career decisions.

What’s the Early Verdict?

Distributor-wise, Hope has already been picked up by Neon – which is the same lot who steered Parasite into Oscar territory, so not exactly amateurs. The review from Chris Bumbray practically foams at the mouth about it: he calls it 'one of a kind' and reckons it could become an instant cult classic for Korean cinema. But he also thinks that, with Korean pop culture on a roll in the West right now, Neon would be smart to give this one a massive, blockbuster-style run instead of tucking it away niche-style. If he’s right, this could be the summer action film that leaves the Americans coughing in its exhaust.

Key Details in Brief

• Director: Na Hong-jin (previously did The Chaser and The Wailing)
• Main Cast: Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender
• Debut: Premiered at Cannes 2024
• Genre: Creature action film (read: there will be chaos)
• Distribution: Snapped up by Neon
• Sequel Status: Sequel script finished, could film if the opportunity arises

If you’re into bonkers action, world-class visuals, and a director who clearly doesn’t mind getting a bit bloody, Hope ought to be firmly on your radar. And if you see Fassbender looking ragged in interviews, now you know: he’s just doing as he’s told.