Academy Award–winning writer-director Bong Joon Ho revealed today the first look at his debut animated feature film, “Ally.” In development since 2019, the film is a major milestone in Director Bong’s career, marking his first foray into the world of animation. As well as directing the film, he co-wrote the script with Jason Yu (“Sleep”). Financing and distribution are handled by CJ ENM, Penture Invest, and Pathé, with Barunson C&C overseeing production. Seo Woo-sik will produce the film, marking his third collaboration with Director Bong, following “Mother” and “Okja.” The film will be completed in the first half of 2027, with a worldwide theatrical release that year.
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 colorful 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 that blends humor and emotion.
Internationally acclaimed for his genre-defying storytelling, Bong Joon Ho is beloved for the four-time Academy Award–winning “Parasite,” taking home three awards, including Best Picture, Director, and Original Screenplay, in addition to the film winning Best International Feature Film, becoming the first film to win both Best Picture and Best International Feature Film. Also notable for being the first South Korean film to win an Academy Award. He has captivated global audiences and festivals alike with lauded films such as “Snowpiercer,” “Memories of Murder,” “Mother,” and, most recently, “Mickey 17.”
The film brings together leading creative talents from 12 countries, including South Korea, with key contributors such as animation supervisor Jae Hyung Kim (“Toy Story 4,” “Inside Out“), supervising producer David Lipman (“Shrek” franchise), and production designer Marcin Jakubowski (“Klaus“). DNEG, the world-renowned studio behind “Inception” and “Dune,” is also on board, contributing expertise in high-end 3D animation.
Pathé will handle distribution in France, Benelux, Switzerland, and West Africa, while CJ and Penture will distribute in South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey, and Indonesia. Pathé represents international sales excluding Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, for which CJ and Penture will handle sales.
Are you excited for “Ally?” What is your favorite Bong Jon Ho film? How do you think his style will translate over to animation? Please let us know in the comments section below or on our X account.
