The new sci-fi thriller Hope, starring Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, has not even arrived in theaters yet, but it is already making history. The film, directed by South Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin of The Wailing fame, has broken the record for the highest overseas pre-sales total for any Korean film ever. According to the film’s distributor Plus M Entertainment, the movie has already been sold to more than 200 countries and territories around the world.
The record-breaking pre-sales have allowed Hope to earn back half of its production budget before a single ticket has been sold at the box office. The film reportedly cost between 50 billion to 70 billion won (roughly $37 million to $52 million USD) to make, making it one of the most expensive Korean productions in history. With worldwide ticket sales still to come, the movie is already on stable financial ground.
The film had its world premiere at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2026, where it played in the main competition for the prestigious Palme d’Or. Critics and distributors took notice immediately, leading to the massive sales frenzy.
Major Distributors Line Up to Release ‘Hope’ Worldwide
The international sales for Hope include some of the biggest names in Hollywood and global cinema. NEON, the distributor behind Parasite, will handle the release in North America and other English-speaking territories. MUBI, the art-house streaming service and distributor, picked up the rights for Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Turkey, and Latin America.
Focus Features and Universal Pictures International France will release the film in France, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), and South Africa. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions secured the rights for Portugal, Scandinavia, Iceland, Israel, and the Middle East.
In Asia, the film has been picked up by GAGA (Japan), The World Pictures (CIS region), Shinesaeng (Thailand), Cai Chang (Taiwan), Golden Scene (Hong Kong), Pioneer (Philippines), Star Entertainment (India), PT Prima Cinema Multimedia (Indonesia), CGV Vietnam (Vietnam), and Clover Films (Singapore). This complete sell-out across all regions marks a rare achievement for a Korean film.
Release Dates: When and Where to Watch ‘Hope’
Hope will first release in South Korean theaters in the summer of 2026. The United States and North American release will follow in the fall of 2026. Other international markets will receive the film on a staggered schedule throughout the second half of 2026.
For United Kingdom and Ireland audiences, the film will release through NEON as part of the English-language territories deal. Canadian, Australian, and Indian release dates have not been announced yet, but the deals with NEON and Star Entertainment confirm the film will arrive in those markets. Global audiences should expect the film in theaters by late 2026.
What Is ‘Hope’ About? The Story and Setting
Hope is set in a remote, isolated town called Hope Harbor, located near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The story follows Bum-seok, the local police chief played by veteran Korean actor Hwang Jung-min. He receives reports from local youths that a tiger has appeared in the area. What starts as a wildlife investigation quickly turns into a nightmare as the town faces a wave of destruction, mutilated corpses, and a threat that may not be from this world.
The film blends genres, moving from a creature feature into cosmic horror. The official synopsis warns that “all is not as it seems, and perceptions can be misleading.” The runtime is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
The Star-Studded Cast of ‘Hope’
The cast of Hope brings together Korean film legends and international stars. Hwang Jung-min, known for his work in The Wailing and New World, plays the lead role of police chief Bum-seok. Zo In-sung (Moving) plays Sung-ki, a skilled huntsman brought in to track the creature. Jung Ho-yeon, the breakout star of Squid Game, plays Sung-ae, a sharpshooting officer.
On the international side, Michael Fassbender plays a character named Ma’veyyo, though details about his role remain secret. Alicia Vikander plays a character named J’aur. Taylor Russell and Cameron Britton also appear in undisclosed roles.
Director Na Hong-jin Returns After a Decade
Na Hong-jin has not directed a feature film since his 2016 horror masterpiece The Wailing. That film became a cult classic and established Na as a master of slow-burn supernatural horror. Hope marks his return after a ten-year gap and his first entry into the competition for the Palme d’Or at Cannes.
Na previously debuted The Chaser (2008) and The Yellow Sea (2011) at Cannes, while The Wailing played Out of Competition in 2016. The director is known for mixing crime thrillers with supernatural elements, often using rural Korean settings as the backdrop for psychological terror.
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Early Reviews From Cannes Are Mixed
Critics who saw Hope at the Cannes Film Festival had mixed reactions. The South China Morning Post called the film a “high-octane, low-on-substance spectacle weighed down by a half-baked premise and bad CGI.” The review specifically criticized the creature effects, noting that for a film with one of the highest budgets in Korean cinema history, the “monster’s crude appearance and sputtering movements beggar belief.”
However, the same review praised the performances of the cast. Hwang Jung-min reportedly carries the film through a long “cross-town sprint” sequence that takes up nearly an hour of the runtime. Zo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon also received positive mentions for their work in hyping up the fear and anxiety of their characters.
Despite the mixed critical reception, the international sales success proves that distributors see major box office potential in Hope. The film’s record-breaking pre-sales indicate that audiences around the world are ready to see what Na Hong-jin has created.
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