This is a development many wouldn't have expected. The acclaimed Korean filmmaker behind such films as "Parasite" and "Memories of Murder" has announced his maiden 3D animation project titled "Ally". The project has been in the works since 2019. We also have the first-look, story details and expected release window.
Bankrolled by Seo Woo-sik, who produced Bong's "Mother" and "Okja", the project, which has been described as a longtime passion project, was written jointly by Bong and Jason Yu (of the Korean horror hit "Sleep"). "Ally" is currently in the middle of production and is expected to be finished in the first half of 2027, with a release planned for the latter half of the same year.
The makers have also released an official synopsis to the press: “At the heart of the story lies Ally, a curious and endearing piglet squid living in the uncharted depths of the South Pacific Ocean. She dreams of one day seeing the sun and becoming the star of a wildlife documentary. But when a mysterious aircraft sinks into the ocean, her peaceful world is suddenly thrown into danger. Alongside her colourful and loyal — yet unlikely — companions, Ally is thrust into an extraordinary journey that will take her all the way to the surface. Inspired by remarkable real-life marine creatures, the film explores themes of friendship and courage, as encounters between humans and the creatures of the deep reshape both worlds. Set against visually stunning underwater worlds and epic action sequences, the film is a family adventure blending humour and emotion.”
Bong has said the project is partly inspired by Claire Nouvian’s photo book "The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss" and developed the storyboard himself by hand. The technical team boasts some of the most talented names in the business —animation supervisor Jae Hyung Kim ("Toy Story 4", "Inside Out"), supervising producer David Lipman ("Shrek") and production designer Marcin Jakubowski ("Klaus").
The 3D animation is being developed by DNEG, the company behind "Inception", "Blade Runner 2049", "Dune", and the upcoming "The Odyssey" and "Ramayana".