Bong Joon Ho's animated feature, 'Ally', is set to be a groundbreaking venture, marking his first foray into 3D animation. The film's voice cast, announced at the Cannes Film Festival, includes a star-studded lineup: Bradley Cooper, Ayo Edebiri, Dave Bautista, Finn Wolfhard, Rachel House, and the iconic Werner Herzog. The casting suggests a diverse range of characters, with newcomer Alex Jayne Go potentially voicing the title role of a curious piglet squid. This project is a significant departure from Ho's previous works, as he ventures into the world of animation, a medium he has been passionate about since 2019.
The announcement comes with the news that Neon, the indie label known for its distribution of Ho's 'Parasite', will release 'Ally' in North American theaters in 2027. This reunion with Bong Joon Ho is a significant moment for the label, as it marks their return to distributing his films after a successful collaboration. The film's setting, deep beneath the South Pacific, adds an element of mystery and adventure, as the curious squid embarks on a journey to the surface after a mysterious aircraft sinks into her habitat.
One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Ally' is its potential budget of $60 million, making it the most expensive feature ever produced in South Korea. This ambitious project is being handled by the VFX studio DNEG, with a creative team from around the world, including animation supervisor Jae Hyung Kim and Shrek franchise veteran David Lipman. The film's production is a testament to Ho's vision and his desire to push the boundaries of storytelling.
The voice cast brings a mix of established Hollywood stars and emerging talents. Cooper, a 12-time Oscar nominee, returns to animated voice work after his role as Rocket Raccoon in the Marvel franchise. Edebiri, who rose to fame with 'The Bear', will premiere her new drama at the Cannes Film Festival. Bautista, Wolfhard, and House add further franchise familiarity to the cast, while Herzog's distinctive voice will delight international film buffs.
The film's distribution rights have been acquired by Pathé in France, Benelux, Switzerland, and West Africa, while CJ ENM and Penture Invest will handle South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey, and Indonesia. The international sales rights are being managed by Pathé in Cannes, excluding Japan and China, which are being handled directly by CJ and Penture. This global reach is a testament to the film's potential and its ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
'Ally' is not just a film; it's a testament to Bong Joon Ho's artistic vision and his desire to explore new mediums. As he ventures into the world of 3D animation, he brings his unique storytelling style and a passion for pushing the boundaries of cinema. The film's announcement at the Cannes Film Festival has generated excitement and curiosity, leaving audiences eager to see what Ho has in store for them. With a star-studded voice cast and an ambitious production, 'Ally' is poised to be a groundbreaking animated feature that will leave a lasting impact on the film industry.
