Na Hong-jin Reunites with Hwang Jung-min in New Film 'Hope,' Set for Summer Release Next Year

▲ This casting photo of Na Hong-jin's upcoming film "Hope" is released by Plus M Entertainment and Forged Films. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 30 (Yonhap) -- Acclaimed director Na Hong-jin's upcoming film "Hope" is set for a summer release next year, distributor Plus M Entertainment announced Wednesday.

"Hope" centers on a mysterious event that unfolds when an unknown entity descends upon a quiet harbor village located in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It marks Na's first feature since his 2016 thriller "The Wailing."

Actor Hwang Jung-min reunites with Na to play Beom-seok, the head of a local administrative office, reprising their collaboration from "The Wailing." Jo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon also star, portraying a young man and a police officer in the village, respectively.

Hollywood actors Michael Fassbender — known for the "X-Men" series and "Alien: Covenant" (2017) — and Alicia Vikander — who appeared in "The Danish Girl" (2016) and "Tomb Raider" (2018) — take on roles as enigmatic lifeforms in the film.

Director Na praised the ensemble cast, stating, "They captured every element this film aims to convey with exceptional talent and focus. The combination is extraordinary."

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