Update: The below cast has all been confirmed and Netflix and Plan B will back the film, which will be released in the first half of 2017, Variety reports. Bong Joon-ho says, “It is a bulky animal, but with a mild and kind spirit. The film is about a warm friendship between a country girl and a brute with stories. To me, the crazy world surrounding Okja and the girl looks more like a monster. I want to depict the two characters’ bizarre journey and adventure across the tough world in an original fashion.” Check out the original story below.
“I’m already planning more adventures with Bong Joon-ho. He is a great master,” Tilda Swinton said just last week, confirming plans to reteam with her Snowpiercer director. Like his previous effort, an English-language debut which grossed nearly $90 million worldwide and certainly more on VOD, we’ve now learned she’ll be accompanied by a major cast yet again for the director’s follow-up.
Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Kelly Macdonald and Bill Nighy are also in talks for the feature, which is titled Okja, according to The Wrap. Details are scarce, as one might expect in this stage of the game, but it’s looking like it’ll see him return to his days of The Host as it will be “a multilingual monster movie.” Despite all of the English-language actors currently in stages to join, the lead will actually be played by a Korean actress, yet to be cast.
“We are already preparing our next project, which is relatively smaller than Snowpiercer. Bigger than The Host, but smaller than Snowpiercer,” the director told Twitch Film earlier this year, adding that it was an original idea.
Production is looking to kick off early next year, on location in New York and Korea, so check back for updates. In the meantime, as we wait for the highly-anticipated project, check out the director’s 10 favorite films and go deep into one of his best works, Memories of Murder, with a video essay.
What do you think of the cast thus far?