Neon Acquires Korean Thriller ‘Hope’ Before Cannes Debut
Neon has acquired the South Korean thriller “Hope,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Na Hong-jin, prior to its upcoming debut at the Cannes Film Festival. This marks a significant addition to Neon’s lineup, which now includes six films at the festival.
Details on “Hope” and Cannes Appearance
“Hope” is set to premiere in competition at Cannes. The film follows a police officer’s journey as he investigates reports of a tiger sighting, leading to chaos and deeper mysteries within a small town. Na Hong-jin is known for his skillful storytelling, previously gaining recognition for his hit film “The Wailing.”
Cast and Crew
- Hwang Jung-min (“Narcos Saints,” “The Wailing”)
- Zo In-sung (“Moving”)
- Hoyeon (“Disclaimer,” “Squid Game”)
- Michael Fassbender (“The Killer,” “12 Years a Slave”)
- Alicia Vikander (“The Danish Girl,” “Ex Machina”)
- Taylor Russell (“Bones and All,” “Waves”)
- Cameron Britton (“The Umbrella Academy,” “Mindhunter”)
Na expressed gratitude towards the cast, highlighting their dedicated performances as integral to the film’s impact. He believes they captured the essence of the story with remarkable artistry.
Neon’s Cannes Presence and History
With this acquisition, Neon deepens its footprint at the Cannes Film Festival. The studio’s films this year also include:
- Arthur Harari’s “The Unknown”
- Cristian Mungiu’s “Fjord”
- Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “All of a Sudden”
- Hirokazu Koreeda’s “Sheep in the Box”
- Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Her Private Hell” (out of competition)
Neon has garnered a reputation for excellence at Cannes, securing the prestigious Palme d’Or for six consecutive years with titles like “Parasite” and “Triangle of Sadness.”
Negotiation and Representation
The acquisition was facilitated by the UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers. Sarah Colvin from Neon’s acquisitions team represented the studio in the deal.
Na Hong-jin is represented by UTA, while cast members are supported by various talent agencies, highlighting the collaboration among prominent figures in the film industry.
As anticipation builds for “Hope,” its unique blend of genres promises to captivate audiences at Cannes and beyond.
