Bong Joon Ho Reveals Animated Deep-Sea Piglet Film First Look
Acclaimed director Bong Joon Ho has announced his debut animated film, titled “Ally,” along with a first look at its main character, an endearing piglet squid. This project marks a significant shift for Bong, who previously gained fame through live-action films such as “Parasite,” “Okja,” and “Snowpiercer.”
About the Film “Ally”
“Ally” tells the story of a curious piglet squid residing in the South Pacific Ocean. She dreams of seeing the sun and becoming a star in a wildlife documentary. However, her serene existence is disrupted when a mysterious aircraft sinks into her underwater home. This event propels Ally into an extraordinary adventure to the ocean’s surface.
Key Details
- Film Title: Ally
- Protagonist: Piglet squid named Ally
- Screenplay: Co-written by Bong Joon Ho and Jason Yu
- Production Companies: Barunson C&C, V8 Pistons Pictures
- Financiers: CJ ENM, Penture Invest, Pathé
- Release Year: 2027
Production and Creative Team
The film is being produced by Barunson Entertainment, led by CEO Seo Woo-sik, marking his third collaboration with Bong. The production team includes:
- Animation Supervisor: Jae Hyung Kim (known for “Toy Story 4” and “Inside Out”)
- Supervising Producer: David Lipman (associated with the “Shrek” franchise)
- Production Designer: Marcin Jakubowski (“Klaus”)
DNEG, known for its work on films like “Inception” and “Dune,” is also contributing high-end 3D animation expertise to the project.
Distribution Plans
Pathé will manage distribution in France, Benelux, Switzerland, and West Africa. CJ ENM and Penture will handle the South Korean market along with Vietnam, Turkey, and Indonesia. For international sales in Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, CJ and Penture will oversee those territories.
Exploring Themes
“Ally” is inspired by real marine life and delves into themes of friendship and courage. The interactions between humans and sea creatures bring about profound changes in both realms.
Bong Joon Ho’s transition into animation, initiated in 2019, is considered a major career milestone. He described the animation process as both “wild” and “tough,” reflecting his commitment to this ambitious project.
The completed film is set to captivate audiences with its unique story and artistic innovation, showcasing the imaginative world crafted by one of cinema’s finest directors.
