What We Know So Far About Bong Joon-ho's First Animation Feature
It's been quite some time since the news about the Oscar recipient, Bong Joon-ho (Parasite) and the first animation feature in his career has been traveling around the net. The Korean director wants to keep more details a mystery, but here is what we know so far.
Plot
It is a story about the relationship between humans and marine life, including deep-sea fish. No other details at this point
Development
The film is inspired by the photo book “The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of The Abyss” by French author Claire Nouvian.
Combining the latest scientific discoveries with astonishing color imagery, The Deep takes readers on a voyage into the darkest realms of the ocean. Revealing nature’s oddest and most mesmerizing creatures in crystalline detail, The Deep features more than two hundred color photographs of terrifying sea monsters, living fossils, and ethereal bioluminescent creatures, some photographed here for the very first time - 'The Deep' synopsis (not the film synopsis)
Bong Joon-ho has been working on the project since 2018, preparing the film's script. The first round of news about the animation feature broke in 2021 (via Screen Daily).
During the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, Bong Joon-ho mused about the project:
“The underwater colors are absolutely splendid. The starting point was the book. The story and animation flows from it. Animation is something I really wanted to try - Bong Joon-ho (source: The Playlist)
Budget
It will be expensive, but not Disney/ Pixar-like expensive. Its cost is estimated at $52 million / 70 million Korean won. ('Elemental' cost $200 million in comparison).
Crew
'Parasite' cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo joins again the Korean director in the yet untitled film.
Production and Distribution Details
Animation production is to start summer 2024; Sony Pictures is on board for the film's worldwide distribution.
Cast
Veteran German director Werner Herzog is in it and voices one of the characters.
Technique
Earlier reports mentioned a full 3D computer-animated film handled by Seoul's 4th Creative Party VFX company; however, a recent Variety article talks of a hand-drawn animation feature.
We'll update you with more news, as soon as it becomes available.
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