Na Hong-jin's Cannes Sensation Hope Gets September U.S. Release Date

A film that sparked intense discussion at this year’s Cannes Film Festival is now gearing up for its theatrical rollout. After attracting attention from critics, distributors and moviegoers alike, Na Hong-jin’s latest project is preparing to reach audiences beyond the festival circuit.

The acclaimed South Korean filmmaker’s sci-fi thriller Hope will arrive exclusively in U.S. theatres on September 9, with distributor Neon backing the release. The movie was among the most talked-about titles at Cannes 2026, where it generated both enthusiastic praise and sharply divided reactions.

Hope made its world premiere at the festival in May and received a six-minute standing ovation. While audience and critical opinions varied widely, the film quickly emerged

as one of the event’s biggest conversation starters.

Reviewing the film from Cannes, The Hollywood Reporter’s chief film critic David Rooney described it as a “rip-roaring sci-fi creature feature” that “has instant cult classic written all over it.”

“It’s a great feeling to know from a movie’s first frames that you’re in the hands of an assured genre auteur,” wrote Rooney. “The rare action thriller that takes place almost entirely in broad daylight, Hope pulls you in immediately with its virtuoso camerawork, pulse-pounding score, adrenalized pacing and sharply drawn characters.”

He further added, “Hope, a title whose meaning becomes clear only in the final scenes, is a superbly sustained pedal-to-the-metal experience that’s almost dizzying in its bravura.”

Set near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the story unfolds in the fictional town of Hope Harbor. The plot follows police chief Bum-seok, played by Hwang Jung-min, and officer Sung-ae, portrayed by Hoyeon, as they investigate a mysterious creature wreaking havoc in the area. At the same time, a group of hunters led by Sung-ki, played by Zo In-sung, enters the surrounding forest to track the beast, only to find themselves facing unexpected danger.

According to the film’s synopsis, what begins as a misunderstanding gradually spirals into a much larger tragedy involving both human conflict and cosmic consequences.

The film marks Hoyeon’s first feature-film role following her global breakout success with Squid Game. She is joined by Hwang Jung-min and Zo In-sung, while Hollywood actors Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell and Cameron Britton appear in supporting roles.

Hope is Na Hong-jin’s first feature film in nearly a decade. The filmmaker is best known for acclaimed genre titles such as The Chaser, The Yellow Sea and the 2016 horror hit The Wailing.

For the new film, Na reunites with cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, who previously collaborated with him on The Wailing. Hong’s impressive credits also include Parasite and Burning. The film’s score has been composed by Michael Abels, known for his work on Jordan Peele’s Get Out and Nope.

At two hours and 40 minutes, Hope is an ambitious undertaking, but industry confidence in the project appears strong. Producer Plus M Entertainment achieved record-breaking sales at Cannes, pre-selling the film to around 200 territories worldwide — a milestone for a Korean production.

The company stated that the international deals have already helped recover nearly half of the film’s net production budget before its release.

Alongside Neon, several major distributors have acquired rights across global markets. Mubi secured Germany, Spain, Italy and Latin America, while Focus Features picked up France, Benelux and South Africa. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions will handle multiple territories including Portugal, Scandinavia and parts of the Middle East. Japan’s Gaga and India’s Star Entertainment have also joined the growing list of buyers.

Interestingly, Na has envisioned Hope as the opening chapter of a larger franchise. With strong international interest and significant pre-release business already in place, the filmmaker’s long-awaited return is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched genre releases of the year.

The film is scheduled to open in South Korea later this summer before making its U.S. theatrical debut on September 9.