Neon Nabs Bong Joon Ho’s Animated Family Film ‘Ally

Neon has acquired the North American distribution rights for Bong Joon Ho's debut animated film, Ally. The South Korean director, known for his Oscar-winning film Parasite, which won four Academy Awards including Best Picture, is returning to Neon for this new project. Ally is set to be finished in the first half of 2027, with Neon planning a wide theatrical release in North America next year.

Ally has been in development since 2019 and marks Bong's first venture into 3D animation.

 He co-wrote the screenplay with Jason Yu, a 36-year-old filmmaker and protégé who directed the popular Korean horror film Sleep in 2023.

Bong has previously collaborated with younger screenwriters, notably Han Jin Won, his former production assistant, with whom he co-wrote Parasite, the film that made history in 2019.

The story follows a curious and lovable piglet squid living in the south Pacific Ocean, dreaming of seeing the sun and becoming the star of a wildlife documentary.

 When a mysterious aircraft crashes into the ocean, Ally's peaceful world is disrupted, sending him on an adventure with real-life marine creatures. The film explores themes of friendship and bravery.

Financing and distribution for Ally are managed by CJ ENM, Penture Invest, and Pathé, with Barunson C&C handling production.

 Seo Woo-sik is producing the film, marking his third collaboration with Bong after Mother and Okja.

Pathé is responsible for distributing Ally in France, Benelux, Switzerland, and West Africa, while CJ and Penture will handle distribution in South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey, and Indonesia.

 Pathé is also handling international sales, excluding Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, where CJ and Penture are managing sales.

Sarah Colvin, Neon's senior vice president of acquisitions, negotiated the deal with WME on behalf of the filmmakers.

Bong Joon Ho's filmography includes Snowpiercer, Memories of Murder, The Host, Okja, Mother, and most recently Mickey 17.