Hope: Taylor Russell added to Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander thriller

Last week, it was announced that Michael Fassbender (Prometheus) and Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider), who happen to be married to each other, had signed on to star in the thriller Hope, directed by Korean director Na Hong-Jin (The Wailing). Soon after, we heard that Emmy-nominated Korean actress and model Hoyeon, who made her screen debut in the hit Netflix series Squid Game, would be starring in Hope as well. Now Deadline has broken the news that Fassbender, Vikander, and Hoyeon are being joined in the cast by Taylor Russell of Escape Room and Bones and All. Details on the characters are being kept under wraps, but we do know that Hoyeon will be playing a policewoman.

Filming on Hope is expected to begin in South Korea in late 2023. Fassbender and Vikander will be speaking English in the film, while most of their co-stars will be speaking Korean. The story centers on the residents of Hopo Port, where a mysterious discovery is made on the outskirts of the remote harbor town. Before long, the residents find themselves in a desperate fight for survival against something they have never encountered before.

Na provided the following statement: “Oftentimes, a person’s goodwill can lead to unintended catastrophe simply because of differences in perspective. My hope for this film is to cinematically capture that phenomenon in a way that has yet to be seen.” On the casting of Taylor Russell, Na had this to say: “Taylor naturally exudes a deep warmth that enriches the adversity and sorrow endured by some of the film’s characters.“

Na has a financing and distribution deal with Plus M Entertainment, which is owned by multiplex chain Megabox. The film is being produced through banner Forged Films. Plus M is handling international sales and UTA Independent Film Group and Plus M are handling the North American rights.

Plus M Entertainment said this about Hope: “Director Na’s new project Hope is not only a high-quality film but an enthusiastic project that has the potential to expand its IP to various content distribution channels. Above all, we’ve decided to invest in this project because we have the utmost trust in director Na’s creative vision. Plus M will collaborate and support Hope to make it a global success.“

Are you interested in Hope? What do you think about Taylor Russell joining Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Hoyeon in the cast? Let us know by leaving a comment below.