Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' set for July 15 opening, targeting summer box office

Director Na Hong-jin's new film "Hope" has locked in its theatrical release date.

Plus M Entertainment announced Monday that "Hope" will open in theaters on July 15.

Na's first feature since "The Wailing" (2016), "Hope" follows Beom-seok, the head of the Hopohang outpost in the demilitarized zone, who hears from local youth that a tiger has been spotted in the area — and finds himself confronting an almost unbelievable reality as the entire village is thrown into a state of emergency. The film stars Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon alongside Hollywood actors Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Taylor Russell.

"Hope" competed at the 79th Cannes Film Festival and, despite not taking home an award, was widely regarded as one of the most talked-about titles in the competition lineup, generating strong anticipation among film fans at home and abroad.

That attention carried over to the Cannes Film Market, where the film achieved a complete sellout — closing deals with every country and territory that has a distribution partnership for Korean films. "Hope" has now confirmed distribution in more than 200 countries and territories, setting a new record for the highest pre-sale amount ever achieved by a Korean film overseas.

"Beginning with those who chase the entity attacking a rural village, the story shifts and expands through a desperate struggle to protect the community, ultimately opening up an entirely new perspective," the distributor said. "From start to finish, it races forward with an unpredictable rhythm and tempo, unleashing explosive energy — delivering the ultimate cinematic experience to enjoy in theaters this summer."