Bong Joon-ho, the 56-year-old South Korean filmmaker known for Parasite, is making his debut in animation with a film titled Ally. [1, 2] The project has been in development intermittently for nearly seven years. [1, 2]
Ally tells the story of a clever piglet-like squid living in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. [1, 2] The film focuses on how encounters between humans and deep-sea creatures can reshape both worlds. [1, 2] Bong has said that fans might be surprised that Ally is an animated film but will recognize his signature storytelling once they see it next year. [1]
The director hopes to match or surpass the works of animation masters Hayao Miyazaki and George Miller. "I’ve always wanted to create an awesome action sequence that can surpass the great ones created by George Miller or Miyazaki, and I felt this film was my chance to practise that ambition," Bong said. [1]
Bong is no stranger to films featuring creatures, having directed the 2017 title Okja. [1, 2] He won three Oscars and the Palme d’Or at Cannes for Parasite in 2019. [1, 2]
First images from Ally were released in April 2026, providing early glimpses of the animation style and characters. [1, 2] The film is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, with a release scheduled for later that year. [1, 2]
Bong said, "But once they actually see the film next year it’ll be quite familiar to them and they might be happy to see my signatures." [1]
