We have our first look at Bong Joon Ho’s next film, his debut in animation, “Ally,” a project the filmmaker has been developing since 2018. Werner Herzog recently joined the voice cast.
Bong co-wrote the script with Jason Yu (“Sleep”). The film is expected to wrap during the first half of 2027, with a worldwide theatrical release planned for that same year.
The story follows Ally, a piglet squid from the uncharted depths of the South Pacific, who dreams of reaching the surface and starring in a wildlife documentary. Her world changes when a plane crashes into the ocean, sparking an unlikely journey upward with a quirky band of companions.
It sounds heartwarming, and family-friendly, which is a total departure for Bong. The film is reportedly the most expensive production in Korean film history, with costs—translated into USD—estimated at around $60M. Sony Pictures is rumored to be circling the film with plans for a worldwide release.
Bong has been working on the screenplay for over eight years. The script was completed in January 2021. “Parasite” and “Burning” cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo will be in charge of the visual lighting.
The Korean filmmaker’s most notable credits include “Parasite,” “The Host,” “Memories of a Murder,” “Mother,” and “Snowpiercer.” Bong released “Mickey 17” in March 2025.
Bong previously stated (via MBC Korea) that once post-production wrapped on “Ally,” he was likely to follow the animated project with a horror-action film set in an underground subway in Seoul. That one will be live-action.
