Neon has officially acquired the North American distribution rights to Ally, the upcoming animated feature from acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho. The project marks the director’s first venture into animated storytelling and is expected to be completed in early 2027, followed by a wide theatrical release later that year.
The collaboration reunites Neon with Bong Joon Ho after their success with Parasite, which made history by winning four Academy Awards including Best Picture. The new film has been in development since 2019 and introduces audiences to a visually rich 3D animated world.
Ally tells the story of a small piglet squid living in the South Pacific Ocean who dreams of reaching the surface and becoming part of a wildlife documentary. However, its peaceful underwater life is disrupted when a mysterious aircraft crashes into the ocean, setting off an unexpected journey filled with danger, discovery, and emotional growth. Themes of friendship courage and survival are expected to be central to the narrative.
The screenplay has been co-written by Bong Joon Ho and Jason Yu, known for directing the 2023 horror film Sleep. The production is being handled by Barunson C&C with Seo Woo-sik serving as producer, marking another collaboration following earlier projects like Mother and Okja.
Financing and distribution responsibilities are shared among CJ ENM, Penture Invest and Pathé. While Neon will manage North American release, international distribution will be divided across various regions by the involved partners.
Known for his unique storytelling and genre blending, Bong Joon Ho continues to expand his creative range with this animated project following a career that includes films such as Snowpiercer, Memories of Murder, The Host, and Mickey 17.
