Na Hong-jin’s sci-fi action thriller Hope has been acquired for more than 200 territories worldwide, achieving the highest overseas pre-sales in Korean film history, according to Plus M Entertainment.
The film, which premiered in Competition at Cannes, has been acquired by Focus Features and UPI France for France, Benelux, and South Africa, while Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions secured Portugal, Scandinavia, Iceland, Israel and the Middle East.
In Asia, rights have been secured for Japan (Gaga), CIS (The World Pictures), Eastern Europe (Unicorn Media), Thailand (Shineasang), Taiwan (Cai Chang), Hong Kong (Golden Scene), Philippines (Pioneer), India (Star Ent), Indonesia (PT Prima Cinema Multimedia), Vietnam (CGV Vietnam) and Singapore (Clover Films).
It was previously revealed that Neon had secured North America and English-language rights while Mubi had taken rights for Latin America, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Turkey
South Korea’s Plus M Entertainment, which represents international sales rights on the film, said the production had recouped nearly half of its budget based on pre-sales alone.
Set in a remote village near Korea’s Demilitarized Zone, the story begins when a police chief receives alarming news from locals that a tiger has appeared. As the village erupts into panic, the chief is forced to confront a reality beyond belief.
The cast is led by Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Hoyeon, Taylor Russell and Cameron Britton alongside Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender.
Writer/director Na also produced the film with Saemi Kim and Saerom Kim for Korea’s Forged Films. Co-producers are Plus M Entertainment Westworld. A local release in South Korea is set for this summer.
In Cannes, Na confirmed he has already written a sequel. The filmmaker is also known for The Chaser, The Yellow Sea and The Wailing, all of which were selected for Cannes.
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