Hope (2026): what we know about Na Hong-jin's sci-fi creature film

Hope is a South Korean sci-fi monster epic written and directed by Na Hong-jin (The Wailing, 2016), starring Hwang Jung-min as a small-town police chief forced to defend his village from an intelligent alien creature. The ensemble cast includes Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell and Cameron Britton.

What is the story?

Ko Bum-seok is the police chief of Hope Harbor, a small village near the Korean Demilitarized Zone. When a mysterious creature begins killing villagers and livestock, he teams up with his second cousin (a local hunter), a retired colonel, and a rookie officer to track it down. As they hunt, they discover the creature is intelligent and apparently indestructible—and there are more of them.

Watch it: The Wailing (2016) Blu-ray on Amazon (Director Na Hong-jin's acclaimed previous film; see his style before Hope arrives on streaming)

Who made it?

Director Na Hong-jin also wrote the film. His previous work includes The Wailing (2016), The Yellow Sea (2011), and The Chaser (2008). Cinematography is by Hong Kyung-pyo, who worked with Na on The Wailing. The score is by Michael Abels. It's a co-production of Forged Films and Plus M Entertainment.

What's the cast?

Hwang Jung-min leads as the police chief. Zo In-sung plays a headstrong local hunter. Jung Ho-yeon is a rookie cop. Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander play alien warriors—they are a married couple in real life. Taylor Russell and Cameron Britton round out the ensemble. Supporting roles include Eum Moon-suk as an eccentric carpenter and Im Hyun-sik as a local elder.

Where was it filmed?

Principal photography took place in 2023 in South Korea and Romania.

What's the release plan?

The film has been released theatrically in South Korea. Neon is handling theatrical distribution in the United States. Check your local listings for showtimes and availability.

Quick answers

Do I need to speak Korean to watch this?

No. The film is subtitled in English for international audiences. Fassbender, Vikander, Russell and Britton speak English in their roles, so there's no awkward dubbing for the main cast.

How does this compare to Na Hong-jin's other films?

The Wailing (2016) is his most acclaimed work—a slow-burn mystery that divides audiences. Hope appears to be more action-driven and straightforward, with bigger spectacle and a clearer narrative focus.

Is this a standalone film or part of a series?

It appears to be a standalone film.

When can I watch this at home?

Streaming availability has not been announced yet. Typically, theatrical releases move to streaming weeks after their theatrical run, but that timeline varies by distributor.