Overview
- Neon will release Hope in roughly 1,500 North American theaters starting Sept. 9, with premium-format early-access screenings on Sept. 7 that have already sold out in several cities.
- Hope is written and directed by Na Hong‑jin and marks his return to feature filmmaking after about a decade away from theaters.
- After a divisive Cannes premiere, Na re-edited the film for its theatrical run, trimming roughly four minutes from the festival cut.
- Early reviews consistently praise the film’s opening action and technical work—cinematography and sound—while critics fault pacing, later-act choices, and some visible VFX.
- Produced by Forged Films with Plus M Entertainment and Westworld as co-producers, the wide rollout follows Neon’s recent strategy for Korean auteur films and leaves open sequel and franchise possibilities if the film performs well.