Hoyeon and Theo James team up for Kim Jee-woon’s new thriller, The Hole

A fresh clash of top-tier talent

Fans of top-tier cinema, brace yourselves! The celebrated Hoyeon, known for her electrifying performances in Squid Game and Disclaimer, is set to star alongside the charismatic Theo James in the highly anticipated film The Hole. Directed by the visionary Kim Jee-woon, this movie promises to be a gripping journey through suspense and emotional turmoil.

Delving into the story

Written by Christopher Chen, The Hole is adapted from Hye-young Pyun’s 2017 novel that clinched the prestigious Shirley Jackson Award. The plot centers around Owen (James), a successful professor living in South Korea, who finds his life upended after a horrendous car accident that claims the life of his wife, Sandy (Hoyeon). Bedridden and vulnerable, Owen is looked after by his Korean mother-in-law, Yuna. But as Yuna begins to dig into the dark truths of Owen and Sandy’s marriage, Owen’s journey toward recovery takes a sinister turn.

Industry collaboration

The Veterans will introduce the film to potential buyers at the AFM, handling the international rights while CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group manage the U.S. rights. With such collaboration, the film is poised for a strong entry into multiple markets.

Behind the scenes: Producers and visionaries

The production team is a powerhouse ensemble. Sam Esmail, known for his work on Mr. Robot, alongside Chad Hamilton and Nick Krishnamurthy, will produce for Esmail Corp. Kimberly Steward and Alex Foster of K Period Media, complemented by Andy Sorgie via his KPM-backed banner Paisan, also join the roster. The producing team is further bolstered by Jay Choi, Kim Jee-woon, and Soon Ho Song, the latter serving as a co-producer for Anthology Studios.

A cross-cultural cinematic experience

The film will be uniquely bilingual, blending English and Korean dialogues. The narrative unfolds across both countries, with shooting scheduled to commence in Q1/Q2 of 2025. This cross-cultural approach is expected to enrich the storyline, offering a diverse cinematic experience.

Hoyeon’s impressive trajectory

Currently featured opposite Cate Blanchett in Alfonso Cuarón’s psychological thriller Disclaimer on Apple TV+, Hoyeon’s career continues its ascending trajectory. Her upcoming role as the female lead in Na Hong-jin’s Hope, where she stars alongside Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender, further cements her standing as a versatile and sought-after actress.

Highlighting recent projects

The Veterans banner, known for managing high-profile projects, adds another feather to its cap with The Hole. Previous noteworthy projects include Emilia Perez, I’m Still Here, Queer, Mutiny, Ballerina Overdrive, and newly announced films like James Gray’s Paper Tiger and Jim O’Hanlon’s Fackham Hall.

The Hole promises to be a riveting addition to the cinematic landscape, blending a compelling storyline with top-tier performances and innovative production choices.

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