Bong Joon Ho, the acclaimed South Korean filmmaker, is back with a new animated feature, marking a significant departure from his previous live-action works. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Ho discusses his journey into the world of animation and the inspiration behind his latest creation, 'Ally'.
Ho reveals that his first short film was an animated stop-motion piece, a challenging endeavor that led him to prefer working with live-action actors. However, his passion for animation persisted, and he found inspiration in the book 'The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss' by photographer Claire Nouvian. The book's captivating photographs of deep-sea creatures sparked his imagination, leading to the creation of 'Ally'.
The story follows a curious piglet squid in the South Pacific Ocean, dreaming of becoming a wildlife documentary star. The film boasts an impressive voice cast, including Ayo Edebiri, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista, and Finn Wolfhard, with Alex Jayne Go as the lead. Ho reunites with 'Parasite' distributors Neon, who have acquired North American rights, while Pathé handles international sales, excluding Japan and China.
Ho's decision to venture into animation was driven by his desire to create an action sequence that surpasses those crafted by George Miller or Hayao Miyazaki. He believes animation offers limitless possibilities, allowing him to unleash his control freak tendencies. Despite 'Ally' being family-friendly, Ho's previous film, 'Okja', received a mature rating due to a specific sequence, indicating his ability to cater to diverse audiences.
When asked about the reaction of his fans, Ho predicts initial surprise at the animated medium, followed by recognition of his signature style. He assures that 'Ally' will be familiar to his fans, offering a refreshing yet familiar experience. Ho's experience with 'Mickey 17', his first film with a Hollywood studio, was eye-opening, despite no significant differences in the filmmaking process. The high budget and creative control discussions added a layer of psychological pressure, leading Ho to prefer smaller-scale projects in the future.
The reunion with Neon is a special one for Ho, as it marks the 20th anniversary of his relationship with Tom Quinn. Their collaboration on 'Parasite' was a triumph, and Ho expresses happiness at working with Neon again. This animated venture showcases Ho's versatility and his willingness to explore new artistic territories, leaving audiences eager to witness his unique storytelling in a different medium.
