The sequel to Na Hong-jin's action alien epic 'Hope' is in the works after it impressed the crowd at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, as reported by Variety. The Korean auteur revealed the news during a press conference on Monday, stating, 'I think you can readily imagine this sequel. And there's a script that's already been done that I'd like to shoot. So if I have the opportunity, I would indeed make a sequel if possible,' according to Variety.
Star-Studded Cast and Unique Premise
The big-budget film features an ensemble cast including Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Hoyeon Jung, as well as Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton. It combines a gritty survival story with an original sci-fi mythology. Actors Fassbender, Vikander, and Russell play CGI aliens invading Earth in the film.
Why the Stars Signed On
During the press conference, Vikander explained that her interest in Korean cinema began after attending the Busan Film Festival early in her career. 'I just fell in love with Asian cinema,' she said, noting that she saw Na's previous film 'The Wailing' and was 'utterly blown away.' She revealed that she had tried to work with Na on a different project that didn't materialize. He then 'reached out two or three years later and said, 'I have some aliens.' And I was intrigued,' she continued. 'I didn't think, I said yes! I think director Na is incredible, such a visionary, and I felt very honoured to be part of his film,' as quoted by Variety.
Fassbender, who is married to Vikander, quipped: 'Alicia told me to do it.' She responded, 'He listens to me!' causing laughter in the room. Russell said Vikander also informed her about the project, but she had been wanting to make a foreign film for a while. 'The dream is to be able to work in a different country on foreign, to me, language films and to work with an auteur. And director Na is an auteur who makes incredible cinema,' she said, per Variety. 'It is kind of beyond a dream to think of -- I wouldn't even cast myself in any of his films because it feels inconceivable, so when the call came, you made me laugh the entire time I talked to you, so it made me think this would be a fun ride,' Russell added. 'It would be great to do more Korean films, and maybe speak Korean as well in the future,' she continued.
Director's Efforts to Cast Stars
Na said that he 'did everything he could to persuade' the three stars. 'Alicia and Michael and of course Taylor as well, all these three characters really have their own world. For me, I sort of hoped I could create a whole world around them. That's why I convinced them to work with me. One of the actors I love and I admire most is Michael, so I really wanted to work with him,' added Na, as quoted by Variety.
The Cannes Film Festival will take place until May 23 in the southern part of France.
