Renowned South Korean director Bong Joon Ho is venturing into the world of 3D animated filmmaking. Recently, he and his production team unveiled key details about his upcoming project titled *Ally*. This film, which has been in development since 2019, is set to complete production in early 2027, aiming for a worldwide theatrical release later that year.
About the Film *Ally*
*Ally* is co-written by Bong and Jason Yu, a rising talent known for the successful horror film *Sleep* (2023). The project is backed by CJ ENM, Penture Invest, and Pathé, with Barunson C&C leading the production efforts. The producer, Seo Woo-sik, has previously collaborated with Bong on *Mother* (2009) and *Okja* (2017).
Plot Summary
The story centers around Ally, a spirited piglet squid dwelling in the unexplored depths of the South Pacific. Driven by her aspiration to bask in sunlight and star in a wildlife documentary, Ally’s life takes a dangerous turn when a mysterious aircraft crashes into her underwater home. Accompanied by quirky and loyal friends, she embarks on a thrilling journey to the ocean’s surface.
Key themes of the film include:
- Friendship
- Courage
- Human-animal interactions
The film promises stunning visuals and action-packed sequences, providing a family-friendly adventure that combines humor with emotional depth.
Production Insights
This marks Bong Joon Ho’s inaugural animated feature, a culmination of nearly a decade of inspiration, partly stemming from Claire Nouvian’s book, *The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss*. Notably, Bong personally illustrated the storyboards, describing the creative process as both challenging and rewarding.
Creative Team
The animation production draws on talent from 12 different countries, including:
- Animation Supervisor: Jae Hyung Kim (*Toy Story 4*, *Inside Out*)
- Supervising Producer: David Lipman (*Shrek* franchise)
- Production Designer: Marcin Jakubowski (*Klaus*)
The visual effects are being handled by DNEG, recognized for their work on *Inception* and *Dune*.
Distribution and Anticipation
Pathé will manage distribution in France, Benelux, Switzerland, and West Africa, while CJ ENM and Penture will oversee South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey, and Indonesia. Generally, *Ally* is expected to attract significant attention at the upcoming Marché du Film in Cannes.
Industry insiders have estimated the film’s budget could reach as high as $60 million, potentially marking it as Korea’s most expensive film ever produced. The announcement has sparked considerable excitement among industry professionals and fans alike, eager to see Bong’s new direction in animation.
