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MoviesVariety · July 24, 2026

Director Na Hong-Jin Makes Comic-Con Debut With Frightening New ‘Hope’ Footage, Says Casting Hoyeon Was His ‘Best Decision’

What's happening

South Korean director Na Hong-Jin made his Comic-Con debut to showcase footage from his new alien action film 'Hope,' produced by Neon. The acclaimed action filmmaker praised his casting choice of actor Hoyeon, calling it his 'best decision' for the project.

Who's involved

Na Hong-Jin is a South Korean auteur known for hard-hitting action thrillers like 'The Chaser' (2008) and 'The Yellow Sea.' Neon is the production company behind the film, and Hoyeon is the actor cast in a key role.

Why it matters

The Comic-Con presentation marks Na Hong-Jin's entry into a major U.S. fan platform, potentially expanding his international audience beyond art-house circles. Success with 'Hope' could solidify his position as a bankable action director in global markets and elevate Hoyeon's profile post-'Squid Game.'

More context

Na Hong-Jin established himself with visceral Korean thrillers before tackling larger-scale projects. His previous work spans from his 2008 feature debut through films like 'The Yellow Sea,' showcasing his evolution as an action filmmaker. Comic-Con has become a crucial platform for launching major tentpole and genre films to mainstream audiences. Hoyeon's casting in a major action-sci-fi production represents her expanding Hollywood opportunities following her international breakout in Netflix's 'Squid Game.'

Read full story on Variety