Michael Fassbender’s new movie has already broken a major theatrical record before its U.S. release. The milestone it has achieved puts the film in the company of one of NEON’s biggest successes.
NEON announced that Hope will open in approximately 1,500 U.S. theaters on September 9. That makes it the widest domestic theatrical release for a Korean-language film since Parasite opened in 2019.
The distributor is also planning early-access screenings across the country on September 7. The screenings will be available in premium formats, including Dolby, 4DX, ScreenX, Barco HDR, D-BOX, and Dolby Atmos. Several screenings in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin, and San Francisco have already sold out.
What to know about Michael Fassbender’s new movie Hope
Hope is the latest feature from South Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin. He previously directed The Chaser, The Yellow Sea, and The Wailing. The new sci-fi thriller is set in the fictional port village of Hopo Port near the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
A mysterious creature appears as communications are cut off and reinforcements are diverted to fight wildfires. Police chief Bum-seok and officer Sung-ae work to protect their aging community. Meanwhile, Sung-ki and other locals head into the mountains to track the creature.
Michael Fassbender stars as Ma’veyyo alongside Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and Hoyeon. The film runs for 156 minutes, according to the Korean Film Council.
The project is an important step in Na Hong-jin’s career. Hope became his first film to compete for the Palme d’Or at Cannes after his earlier features appeared in other festival sections.
The film has also found a huge audience in South Korea. Korean Film Council figures show Hope had reached 4,537,884 admissions and earned more than $35.7 million by September 2. It had played across 2,424 screens during its domestic run.
The Cannes selection has also given the film a strong international festival presence. Hope is scheduled for additional appearances at Busan International Film Festival, San Sebastian International Film Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival.
