The Ukrainian distributor Green Light Films has released a Ukrainian-language trailer for "Hope," a science fiction action thriller now considered the most expensive film in South Korean cinema history. Production reportedly cost more than 70 billion won, or roughly $46 million.
The film follows residents of Hopo, a remote fishing village, after they discover a mysterious extraterrestrial being that spreads a disease through the surrounding area, forcing the villagers to fight back.
Cast and director
The lead roles went to South Korean stars Hwang Jung-min, known for "The Wailing" and "Deliver Us from Evil"; Jo In-sung, known for "A Dirty Carnival" and "The King"; and Hoyeon, known for the series "Squid Game."
The cast also includes a string of Hollywood names, led by married couple Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander. Fassbender has appeared in "Inglourious Basterds," "Prometheus," "Shame," "The Killer," "Black Bag" and the "X-Men" franchise, as well as the series "The Agency." Vikander is known for "Ex Machina," "The Danish Girl," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," "Tomb Raider" and "The Queen's Gambit." Also appearing are Taylor Russell, known for "Escape Room" and "Bones and All," and Cameron Britton, known for "The Girl in the Spider's Web," "Mickey 17" and the series "Mindhunter," "The Umbrella Academy" and "Spider-Man Noir."
"Hope" was directed by Na Hong-jin, a veteran of South Korean cinema best known for "The Chaser," "The Yellow Sea" and "The Wailing."
Cannes premiere and reviews
The film had its world premiere in May 2026 at the Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d'Or.
It currently holds a score of 7 out of 10 on IMDb, a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and 68 out of 100 on Metacritic, a score the site classifies as "generally favorable reviews."
Ukrainian release date
According to Green Light Films, "Hope" will open in wide release across Ukraine on September 10, 2026. Select cinemas will screen the film in IMAX format earlier, starting September 3, 2026.
