Bong Joon-ho Plunges into the Abyss with Ambitious Animated Feature: 'A Very Wild and Tough Job'

Bong Joon-ho. The name itself conjures images of groundbreaking cinema, intricate narratives, and that unforgettable Golden Palm moment for Parasite. He's a filmmaker who consistently pushes boundaries, delivering stories that resonate long after the credits roll. So, when news emerges that this visionary director is diving headfirst into the world of animation, and a deep-sea one at that, well, you can bet ears perk up across the globe.

Speaking recently at the Marrakech International Film Festival, Bong offered a tantalizing peek into his next big project. And by the sound of it, this isn't just any animated movie; it's shaping up to be something truly special, perhaps even a bit daunting. He didn't mince words, describing the endeavor as "a very wild and tough job." Honestly, given his track record for meticulous detail and profound storytelling, that statement only fuels our excitement even more.

This isn't a spur-of-the-moment idea, either. Bong revealed he's been nurturing this particular vision since 2018, meticulously crafting what he calls "a very unique project." The setting itself is fascinating: deep beneath the ocean's surface, a realm of immense pressure, alien landscapes, and creatures we barely understand. It’s a perfect canvas for a mind as imaginative as Bong's.

What can we expect from the story? According to the director, it's primarily an adventure film, but knowing Bong, it won't be one-dimensional. He promises "some drama" woven into the fabric of the narrative, and, thrillingly for fans of his darker work, "a bit of a horror aspect." Imagine a canvas where swashbuckling deep-sea exploration meets poignant emotional arcs, with just a hint of unsettling terror lurking in the abyssal depths. It sounds like a quintessential Bong Joon-ho cocktail, albeit in a vibrant new animated form.

He's already deep into the creative process, confirming that he has "many storyboards" laid out, hinting at the visual richness and complexity we can anticipate. It’s also understood that he's co-writing and co-directing this ambitious project with a local animator, fostering a collaborative spirit that could bring even more innovative ideas to the table. And for those wondering about inspiration, reports suggest the film is based on a deep-sea creature manual he actually published back in 2018—a fascinating genesis for a cinematic adventure!

While his live-action film, Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, faces a slight delay, it's clear Bong Joon-ho's creative engines are running full throttle. His previous foray into animation saw him as a writer for the 2003 film Dog of Flanders, so he's not entirely new to the medium. This time, however, he's taking the directorial reins, promising a distinct "vibe" that only he can deliver. We’re all keenly awaiting the moment we can dive into this wild, wonderful, and perhaps terrifying new world he's building.