Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender Join Director Na Hong-jin’s “Hope” as Aliens: A Couple’s Journey [Cannes★Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Selected for the Competition Section of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival — Interview with Alicia Vikander on the film “Hope”

British actress Alicia Vikander shared how she and her husband, Michael Fassbender, came to appear as aliens in director Na Hong-jin’s film together as a couple.

On the 18th (local time), in the afternoon, Alicia Vikander held an interview for the film “Hope” (directed by Na Hong-jin) at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes, France, where the 79th Cannes International Film Festival is being held. She spoke about the story behind the film. “Hope” begins with a tale of a demilitarized zone outpost manager named “Beom-seok” stationed in Pohang, who learns from local youths that a tiger has appeared, triggering a state of emergency across the entire village as he confronts an unbelievable reality.

Na Hong-jin’s film “Hope,” his first release in 10 years since “The Wailing,” premiered worldwide at the Lumière Grand Theatre on the 17th, followed by approximately seven minutes of standing ovation. “Hope” is a thriller that also features aliens, captivating audiences worldwide as a science fiction film.

In the film, Alicia Vikander plays the empress “Jor,” while Michael Fassbender portrays “Mabayo,” a warrior and soldier serving the empress, as they both perform as aliens together.

Sharing her thoughts on attending the festival, Alicia Vikander said, “Cannes is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. There is no other place that loves cinema as deeply. I am delighted to be able to share films with people from all over the world at such an exceptional venue.”

Alicia Vikander also revealed the reason she joined the film. She stated, “As Director Na Hong-jin mentioned during the press conference, the original story was much longer, and the script was more extensive. He shared the full version, but it was somewhat condensed for the film. I have always been a fan of Director Na Hong-jin and admired his work for a long time. When he proposed we work together, I accepted. I enjoy immersing myself in different cultures and experiencing new things. This film allowed me to engage with a new culture, work in a new language, and even use an alien language. I saw the film for the first time at the official screening, and it was wonderful. I was amazed by the outstanding performances of the Korean actors.”

Alicia Vikander also explained how she and her husband Michael Fassbender came to act as aliens together. Earlier, during a press conference, when Michael Fassbender responded that he joined “Hope” because Alicia asked him to, she laughed and said, “It was a fun story. Director Na Hong-jin contacted Michael and me separately. It was a professional approach, and we were unaware of each other’s involvement at the time. However, I think I may have suggested that Michael watch ‘The Wailing.’”

Expressing her affection for Director Na Hong-jin, Alicia Vikander said, “When I was 21, I was invited to the Busan International Film Festival, where I watched many Korean films. Director Na Hong-jin’s films are particularly notable for their fearless, bold, and visually striking filmmaking. He has a distinct worldview and an exceptional talent for blending genres seamlessly. When he speaks, there is a sense of freedom, and even when tackling difficult or tough themes, he humanizes them through storytelling. The film also contains humor, which is another reason I admire him.”

Finally, Alicia Vikander shared her impressions of working in Korea. “We joined during the filming of the VFX sequences in the latter part of the movie. Although this film is not as large-scale as a Hollywood blockbuster, it was prepared with meticulous attention to detail, much like in the United States. Personally, I have worked on both small-scale auteur films and large productions, but the Korean staff were incredibly supportive. Their energy and care were truly commendable. I was deeply moved and had a joyful experience.”

Meanwhile, the Cannes International Film Festival will announce the winners among the competing entries at the closing ceremony on the 23rd. Attention is focused on whether Director Na Hong-jin’s new science fiction film “Hope” will be honored at the closing ceremony of this year’s Cannes International Film Festival.

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*This content was translated by AI.