Parasite and Snowpiercer director Bong Joon Ho reveals a first-look at his debut animated feature Ally
Bong Joon Ho, the South Korean filmmaker behind such films as Parasite, Mickey 17, The Host, Okja, and Snowpiercer, is, at long last, getting into the animation game. In fact, he’s been developing his animated feature film debut, Ally, since 2019. Today, we’re finally getting a first-look at the beloved director’s emotional animated adventure, alongside details about its journey to screens.
Bong Joon Ho does more than direct Ally
As well as directing the film, Bong Joon Ho 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.
What’s Ally about?
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 blending humor and emotion.
Who are the creative forces behind Ally?
One thing I admire about Bong Joon Ho is his ability to surprise his fanbase with new and unique projects. Some filmmakers inadvertently pigeonhole themselves into being known for a particular thing, but Bong Joon Ho loves to defy expectations. Ally is a massive undertaking. 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.
I’m excited to check out a trailer for Ally when one becomes available. Today’s first-look image isn’t much, but it gives us a great look at the film’s title character. I like the character design, and the scene’s lighting is quite pretty. I expect great things from Ally, having enjoyed much of Bong Joon Ho’s output throughout the years. I’ll keep an eye on this one.
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