Na Hong-jin's 'HOPE' Unveils Captivating Teaser Poster, Set for Summer 2026 Release

Director Na Hong-jin's highly anticipated film 'HOPE' has officially announced its summer 2026 release with the premiere of a breathtaking teaser poster, igniting global excitement.

The newly revealed teaser poster for 'HOPE' (directed and written by Na Hong-jin, produced by Foregde Films, distributed by Plus M Entertainment) distinguishes itself from typical movie promotions by capturing a single, powerful frame directly from the film. The image depicts a dramatic moment in a dense forest, where a figure on a galloping horse rescues a young man by the nape of his neck from an alien threat, showcasing a pivotal scene of escape and salvation.

This intense sequence was filmed in Romania's Retezat National Park and demanded extraordinary precision. Every element, from the actors and horses to the wires and cameras, had to align perfectly, making it an exceptionally challenging shoot. To achieve this single shot, the cast and crew underwent five months of intensive training and three months of pre-production tests in Korea, followed by two months of adaptation training on location.

Director of Photography Hong Kyung-pyo meticulously utilized natural light to capture the forest's atmosphere. Despite the demanding conditions of shooting at 120 frames per second under natural light, the 'HOPE' production team, through thorough preparation and seamless collaboration, successfully captured this perfect moment in just half a day.

The teaser poster's raw boldness and sense of speed encapsulate 'HOPE's unique action style. It further amplifies anticipation for the cinematic experience director Na Hong-jin, renowned for redefining Korean cinema with 'The Wailing,' is set to deliver.

'HOPE' has already garnered significant international attention for its global casting. Hwang Jung-min stars as 'Beom-seok,' the arrogant yet responsible station chief of Hopo Port. Jo In-sung plays 'Seong-gi,' a young man from the village, and Jung Ho-yeon embodies 'Seong-ae,' a diligent police officer at Hopo Port. Joining them are acclaimed Hollywood actors Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton, who portray the alien characters.

The narrative of 'HOPE' unfolds when 'Beom-seok,' the station chief of Hopo Port located in the Demilitarized Zone, receives news from village youths about the appearance of a tiger. The story begins as the entire village is thrown into a state of emergency, leading to the confrontation with an unbelievable reality. 'HOPE,' a project meticulously prepared by director Na Hong-jin over an extended period, is currently in post-production and is slated to meet audiences in theaters in the summer of 2026.

Director Na Hong-jin is a celebrated filmmaker known for revolutionizing the thriller genre in South Korea with his critically acclaimed films 'The Chaser,' 'The Yellow Sea,' and 'The Wailing.' His works are praised for their distinctive storytelling, visceral direction, and intense character portrayals, earning him a strong reputation both domestically and internationally. 'HOPE' marks his return after a significant hiatus, promising a bold expansion of his cinematic universe and a groundbreaking new narrative.