200-plus Countries Pre-Sales “Hope” Behind-the-Scenes Stills Unveiled From Cannes

The behind-the-scenes stills unveiled this time capture the special ensemble of the stars of 〈​Hope​〉—Director Na Hong-jin, along with Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Taylor Russell—who took part in the Cannes Film Festival. Built around a lineup of actors representing Korea and Hollywood, 〈​Hope​〉 has drawn attention since its first outing, and each moment the group shared even in Cannes local scenes sparked intense interest and energy. After shooting, Na returned to the set after a long time, and the director and the actors exchanged warm greetings and spent meaningful time together during the festival.

The stills featuring the actors as they wrapped up preparations for the premiere red carpet convey the excitement and tension ahead of the film’s first screening in full, while the stills of Hwang Jung-min and Jung Ho-yeon after meeting with music director Michael Ablels reflect an upbeat, friendly atmosphere. After handling local promotional schedules at Cannes—starting with official events and followed by interviews with media outlets at home and abroad—the actors won over attention with the film’s intense energy and another, more cheerful yet comfortable mood.

〈​Hope​〉 is a film invited to Cannes Film Festival’s competition section for the first time in four years from South Korea, drawing attention. It added extra significance as Director Na Hong-jin’s first entry into the competition section. From his debut 〈The Chaser〉, to 〈The Yellow Sea〉, 〈The Wailing〉, and then 〈Hope〉, Na became the first Korean director to set a record in which all of his feature directorial works were invited to Cannes Film Festival.

First unveiled through the Cannes Film Festival world premiere, 〈​Hope​〉 drew fierce praise from global media outlets and film critics. Audiences reacted enthusiastically to bold directing that broke from conventional grammar and pursued variations across different genres, as well as to a suspenseful, unpredictable plot that never gives viewers a chance to catch their breath, paired with intense action that just keeps charging forward. “It made the heart of Europe’s film establishment beat with remarkable immersion and inventive imagination.” (Numerama) “A Korean cinema force that completely replaced and overpowered Hollywood’s blockbuster formula. It focused the attention of critics worldwide with an unfolding that wasn’t predictable and an original visual approach.” (France 24) “A massive tidal wave named ‘Hope’ that swallowed the film festival. This powerful energy sent huge ripples through a festival that had been stuck in place.” (Culturopoing) and “It shattered Cannes’ existing fixed ideas and delivered a new kind of intense genre jolt to audiences.” (Vanity Fair) The film was also singled out as one of the most talked-about titles at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, alongside those assessments.

After finishing all the festival schedules, Director Na Hong-jin said about the Cannes invitation, “This attendance at this year’s Cannes Film Festival is a decision made thanks to Cannes’ love call, reached at the most important moment of post-production. What matters most right now is the remaining time until I can meet Korean audiences, and from here onward is the decisive stage for the main wrap-up work. Until the film’s release, I will focus on raising the film’s completion as much as possible during the time left. Based on the valuable achievement of the support and encouragement from many critics and media representatives at this Cannes Film Festival, I will lead the best possible result. Thank you to everyone who hosted the festival and to everyone who shared kind words as you enjoy 〈​Hope​〉.”

Hwang Jung-min said, “When we opened at Cannes and I thought, ‘I wonder how much fun it will be when we watch it together with Korean audiences.’ I’m looking forward to the moment when we can share this special experience with the audience.” Jo In-sung added, “For me, 〈​Hope​〉 is a meaningful work, just by allowing me to take on a challenge with something new and by letting me work happily with a great director.” Jung Ho-yeon said, “It was an honor to be able to watch my first film at the Lumière Grand Theatre with such a deep history. I was both afraid and excited to see my performance on a big screen, but once I heard clapping and cheering, it felt like I was being supported, and that was moving.”

〈​Hope​〉 tells the story that begins when “Beom-seok,” the office chief of the Hopo Port 출장소장 located in the Demilitarized Zone, hears from local people that a tiger has appeared in the neighborhood, and the entire village is thrown into an emergency even as it encounters an unbelievable reality. Director Na Hong-jin, who has captivated audiences and film critics with overwhelming immersion, a high-quality mise-en-scène and outstanding directing, has spent a long time preparing his new work 〈​Hope​〉, which is set to meet audiences in theaters this summer.