After a decade-long silence that left cinema enthusiasts worldwide yearning for his return, acclaimed director Na Hong-jin is finally breaking his creative hiatus with HOPE, a mysterious thriller set to captivate audiences next summer. The announcement from distributor Plus M Entertainment marks the end of an agonizing wait that began after his 2016 masterpiece THE WAILING left viewers haunted and critics in unanimous praise.
Set against the eerie backdrop of a port village nestled within the demilitarized zone, HOPE promises to deliver the psychological complexity and atmospheric dread that have become Na Hong-jin’s signature. The story unfolds when an unknown entity materializes in this isolated community, transforming the quiet coastal settlement into a stage for supernatural terror. This premise alone suggests a return to the director’s expertise in blending visceral horror with profound existential questions that made THE CHASER, THE YELLOW SEA, and THE WAILING essential viewing for serious film lovers.
The casting choices reveal Na Hong-jin’s commitment to assembling a truly international ensemble that reflects the film’s ambitious scope. Hwang Jung-min returns to collaborate with the director once again, taking on the role of Beom-seok, the village’s branch office chief. Their previous partnership in THE WAILING demonstrated an almost telepathic understanding between actor and director, making this reunion one of the most anticipated aspects of the project. Jo In-sung brings his considerable screen presence to the role of Sung-ki, a young hunter who ventures into treacherous mountain terrain to track down the creature terrorizing the village, while Jung Ho-yeon, riding high on her global breakthrough, portrays Sung-ae, a principled police officer whose unwavering moral compass will likely be tested by the unfolding chaos.
The international dimension of HOPE becomes even more intriguing with the inclusion of Hollywood powerhouses Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, both taking on the enigmatic challenge of portraying an unknown life form. Fassbender, whose intense performances in the X-MEN series, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, and ALIEN: COVENANT have established him as one of cinema’s most compelling actors, joins forces with Vikander, whose versatility spans from her Oscar-winning turn in THE DANISH GIRL to action-packed roles in JASON BOURNE and TOMB RAIDER. Their casting as otherworldly entities suggests a film that will push the boundaries of conventional narrative structure and challenge audiences’ preconceptions about identity and humanity.
The ensemble grows even more impressive with the addition of Taylor Russell, whose Venice International Film Festival recognition for BONES AND ALL demonstrates her ability to handle complex, emotionally demanding material, and Cameron Britton, whose chilling portrayal of a serial killer in Netflix’s MINDHUNTER proved his capacity for inhabiting deeply unsettling characters. This carefully curated cast represents not just star power but a collection of performers known for their fearless approach to challenging material.
Na Hong-jin’s enthusiasm for his assembled cast is palpable in his statement that they have “expressed all the elements that the work aims to convey with the best talent and focus,” describing their combination as “tremendous.” This confidence from a director known for his meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising artistic vision suggests that HOPE will be worth every moment of the decade-long wait. The film promises to blend the director’s mastery of psychological horror with contemporary global tensions, creating a cinematic experience that could redefine the thriller genre for a new generation of viewers.
From 007 to retirement home detective, @piercebrosnanofficial has done it all!
In a new interview, The THURSDAY MURDER CLUB (now streaming on @netflix) star strolls through the north London streets where he once cut his teeth as a young actor.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 Domhnall Gleeson is back and he`s trading time travel for newspaper headlines!
The EX MACHINA and ABOUT TIME star leads THE PAPER, a new mockumentary series from THE OFFICE creators that drops ALL 10 episodes September 4th on Peacock!
Watch the new sneak peek at irishfilmtv.com.
* NEW TRAILER ALERT *
From Oscar nominee for THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN to scene-stealer in THE PENGUIN, Colin Farrel is now teaming up with visionary director Kogonada again for A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY alongside Margot Robbie.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 Jessie Buckley is about to break our hearts all over again in HAMNET 💔
From her Oscar-nominated turn in THE LOST DAUGHTER to the psychological depths of MEN, this Irish powerhouse keeps choosing roles that demand everything.
HAMNET hits theaters November 27th - mark your calendars! 🗓️
** NEW TRAILER ALERT **
After 8 years away from acting, Daniel Day-Lewis returns in ANEMONE.
Set in 1980s Yorkshire, this Brad Pitt-produced film explores the complex bonds between fathers, sons, and brothers.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎰 NEW TRAILER ALERT! Colin Farrell is on an absolute TEAR right now!
Fresh off his Golden Globe and SAG wins for THE PENGUIN, he`s diving into Edward Berger`s new film BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER - and the first trailer looks absolutely stunning.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🍺 From PEAKY BLINDERS to pints of pure drama!
Steven Knight is serving up Ireland`s most scandalous brewing dynasty in HOUSE OF GUINNESS, hitting Netflix Sept 25th ✨
Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn & Fionn O`Shea are about to show you what happens when you inherit black gold... and all the poison that comes with it 🖤
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 CHRISTY from @sleeper.films hits different.
This Cork story isn`t your typical social realism - it`s got heart, humor, and the kind of authentic brotherhood that`ll stay with you long after the credits roll.
Out in Ireland/Northern Ireland Aug 29, watch the trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
🎰 Colin Farrell`s career glow-up continues!
From Oscar-nominations to the unrecognizable Penguin in THE BATMAN, and now as an obsessive gambler in Edward Berger`s BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER.
Mark your calendars: @tiff_net premiere Sept 9, limited release Oct 15, Netflix Oct 29. 🔥
* NEW TRAILER ALERT *
Cillian Muprhy`s latest project STEVE premieres at Toronto Film Festival before hitting Netflix October 3rd.
Murphy plays a reform school headteacher fighting to save his institution while battling his own demons—because this man never takes the easy route.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 HE`S BACK. After 8 years in "retirement," Daniel Day-Lewis returns to the screen in ANEMONE - and it`s personal.
The three-time Oscar winner emerges from his artistic sabbatical for his most intimate project yet: a family drama he co-wrote with his son Ronan, who`s making his directorial debut.
World premiere at NYC Film Festival. October 3rd limited release. The legend continues. 🔥
More at irishfilmtv.com.
📺 NEW TRAILER ALERT 📺
Premiering Aug 28, THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB follows four retirees who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun - based on @misterosman’s bestselling novel.
Visit irishfilmtv.com for more!
🎭 LEGEND RETURNS TO THE STAGE 🎭
From Mad-Eye Moody to Uncle Pastuzo, Brendan Gleeson has captivated us on screen for decades. Now he`s making his WEST END DEBUT in THE WEIR! Dublin first (Aug 8-Sep 6) then London`s Harold Pinter Theatre (Sep 12-Dec 6).
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 From beloved DERRY GIRL to Chekhov star!
Saoirse-Monica Jackson is trading the screen for the stage in Kabosh`s bold new adaptation of THREE SISTERS at @gaiety_theatre.
Visit irishfilmtv.com for ticket links!
Liam Neeson just crushed it as Frank Drebin Jr. in THE NAKED GUN and now he`s diving headfirst into horror comedy with COLD STORAGE.
At 72, Neeson is still choosing the wildest projects and we`re absolutely here for it. COLD STORAGE hits theaters next year!
Watch the crazy trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
