South Korean director Na Hong-jin unveiled new “Hope” Comic-Con footage during his debut appearance at the San Diego convention this week.
Na also called the casting of “Squid Game” actor Hoyeon one of his best decisions while developing the alien action film. He presented the footage during a panel in Ballroom 20.
Actor Hwang Jung-min encouraged Na to consider Hoyeon for the role of police officer Sung-ae. Na said Hwang described her as a special person and persuaded him to arrange a meeting.
Na told the audience that “Hope” continues the metaphors and themes of his earlier films. However, he said its style, ideas and content differ from his previous work.
Nuevo tráiler de #HOPE, de Na Hong-jin.
La cinta de acción y ciencia ficción estrena en septiembre. https://t.co/zciwfNIrNQ
— REACTION TIME (@reactiontimemx) July 20, 2026The panel opened with footage from Na’s directing career. The reel featured his 2008 debut, “The Chaser,” followed by “The Yellow Sea” and “The Wailing.”
“Hope” follows police officers and hunters pursuing a mysterious creature after it attacks the remote South Korean community of Hope Harbour. The hunters soon discover that the creature is tracking them.
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The film also stars Hwang, Zo In-sung, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender. Neon’s official film page lists the US theatrical release for September 9, 2026.
“Hope” premiered out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May. The science-fiction thriller marks Na’s first feature film since “The Wailing” opened in 2016.
