Academy Award-winning filmmaker Bong Joon-ho has revealed the first look at his debut animated feature, Ally, currently in development and slated for completion in the first half of 2027.

The project marks the South Korean director’s first venture into animation after a career defined by genre-blending live-action films such as Parasite, Snowpiercer, Memories of Murder and Mother. Bong co-wrote the screenplay with Jason Yu (Sleep). Production is overseen by Barunson C&C, with Seo Woo-sik producing, marking his third collaboration with the filmmaker, following Mother and Okja.

Financing and distribution are handled by CJ ENM, Penture Invest and Pathé, which will also represent international sales, excluding Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Pathé will distribute the film in France, Benelux, Switzerland and West Africa, while CJ ENM and Penture Invest will handle distribution in South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey and Indonesia. The companies are aiming for a worldwide theatrical release in 2027.

Set in the uncharted depths of the South Pacific Ocean, Ally centres on a curious piglet squid who dreams of seeing the sun and becoming the star of a wildlife documentary. Her tranquil underwater world is disrupted when a mysterious aircraft sinks into the ocean, forcing her into an unexpected adventure towards the surface alongside a group of unlikely companions. Inspired by real-life marine creatures, the film blends humour and spectacle while exploring themes of friendship, courage, and the fragile relationship between humans and the natural world.

The animated feature brings together a creative team spanning 12 countries, including South Korea. Among the key collaborators are animation supervisor Jae Hyung Kim (Toy Story 4, Inside Out), supervising producer David Lipman (the Shrek franchise) and production designer Marcin Jakubowski (Klaus). The project also involves DNEG, the visual-effects and animation studio behind movies such as Inception and Dune, which will contribute its expertise in high-end 3D animation.

Internationally acclaimed for his genre-defying storytelling, Bong Joon-ho became the first South Korean filmmaker to scoop an Academy Award when his Palme d’Or-winning Parasite triumphed at the Oscars with four wins, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. His latest live-action feature, Mickey 17, recently premiered to global audiences.

Founded in 1995, CJ ENM has been a major force in the international expansion of Korean entertainment, producing globally recognised content including Parasite and hit television series such as Queen of Tears. Seoul-based Penture Invest, part of the Barunson Group, focuses on investments in the Korean media and content economy, while Pathé – founded in 1896 – remains one of the world’s oldest film companies still active across production, sales, distribution and exhibition.