Neon is giving South Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin’s highly anticipated sci-fi thriller Hope an early premium-format theatrical launch in the United States, with the film set to open September 7 at 175 large-format locations, two days ahead of its wider September 9 release, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The move comes after the film generated significant buzz during its world premiere in competition at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
Hope marks Na Hong-jin’s first feature since the acclaimed 2016 thriller The Wailing. The film stars Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon and Taylor Russell, and centres on residents of a remote Korean village who confront a mysterious creature.
The premium rollout gives Neon an opportunity to turn the film’s festival momentum into a major theatrical event, particularly among audiences seeking large-format cinematic experiences. The distributor acquired North American rights to the film ahead of its Cannes premiere, betting on Na’s international reputation and an unusually star-studded cast for a Korean genre production.
The strategy also underscores the growing importance of premium theatrical formats for ambitious international films, allowing Hope to build anticipation before its broader release. With its Cannes profile, acclaimed filmmaker and global cast, the film is positioned as one of the more notable international genre releases of 2026.
