SDCC 2026: Na Hong-jin Brings ‘Hope’ to Comic-Con With a First Look That Defies Expectations

It may have taken nearly a decade to bring to life, but if the first footage unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con is any indication, Na Hong-jin’s Hope was well worth the wait.

Making his Comic-Con debut, acclaimed filmmaker Na Hong-jin joined moderator Joanna Robinson to offer audiences an exclusive first look at his long-awaited feature. While Hope retains the psychological tension and meticulous craftsmanship that have come to define his filmography, Na Hong-jin playfully encouraged the Ballroom 20 crowd to throw out any expectations they had walking in. If audiences think they know where his latest feature is headed, chances are they don’t.

At the heart of the discussion was perspective. Na Hong-jin explained that the Korean word for Earth carries maternal connotations, an idea that became foundational to the film’s emotional architecture and informed the prominence of its female characters. Rather than anchoring itself to one singular point of view, Hope unfolds through multiple perspectives, with each character offering their own lens through which to experience the story.

Viewed through the lens of an isolated community confronted by an unknown presence, Hope becomes an exploration of humanity itself. The intrusion is merely the catalyst. The real story lies in how people respond when their world is disrupted and certainty gives way to fear, compassion, denial, or resilience. It’s also a film designed to spark discussion. As Na Hong-jin explained, two people can leave the same screening having watched identical images, yet walk away with entirely different interpretations of both the story and its ending.

That philosophy extends into the filmmaking itself. Na Hong-jin shared that many of the cast performed their own stunts, believing that physical commitment brings a rawness and authenticity to their performances. It’s one of the many elements that allows Hope to move fluidly between action, creature horror, humor, and intimate character drama without ever feeling confined to a single mode.

The creatures themselves mark another evolution for the filmmaker. Rather than functioning as straightforward monsters, their arrival introduces an eerie atmosphere unlike anything Na Hong-jin has explored before, adding another layer to a film that continually keeps audiences guessing. He also hinted that the world of Hope may continue beyond a single installment, teasing the possibility of future stories.

Na Hong-jin also reflected on the film’s immense scale, its growing global anticipation, and the importance of its female characters. Hoyeon and Alicia Vikander were highlighted as integral voices within the story, a point that resonated strongly with the Ballroom 20 audience. Before the exclusive footage rolled, attendees were treated to a special video message from Hoyeon introducing the extended preview.

NEON then unveiled an extended sequence that immediately had Ballroom 20 on the edge of its seats. Built around a pulse-pounding car chase with one of the film’s mysterious creatures, the footage balanced white-knuckle suspense with breathtaking cinematic scope while carefully preserving the mystery at the heart of Hope. It was a thrilling reminder that while Na Hong-jin may be venturing into new territory, his ability to command tension remains as sharp as ever.

Whether audiences ultimately leave the theater with the same interpretation remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Hope is shaping up to be unlike anything Na Hong-jin has made before. Watch the newly released trailer below.