The film HOPE, directed by Na Hong-jin and considered one of the most anticipated releases of 2026, is expected to find some breathing room following a new investment, despite facing a difficult path to theaters due to the financial instability of its parent company.
Episode Company announced on July 2 that it has invested in director Na Hong-jin’s new film, HOPE. Episode Company is a global IP content firm based on AI and new technology, and it has been strengthening its film business this year by investing in projects such as COLONY, Wild Thing, and Dora.
HOPE, which was invited to the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, is a story about people who fight to protect their village from a mysterious entity in Hopo Port, located in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), only to face a universal tragedy. The film has garnered significant attention for its star-studded cast, featuring Korean actors Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon, alongside international stars Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender.
Following its world premiere, HOPE has received acclaim from international media and critics, generating high interest even before its official release. It has already been pre-sold to over 200 countries and territories worldwide, marking it as a highly anticipated global hit.
However, the film faced uncertainty after Megabox JoongAng, the parent company of its investor and distributor Plus M Entertainment, filed for court receivership. With the investment from Episode Company now confirmed, it is expected that the film will have an easier time securing the necessary budget for promotion and marketing.
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