'Hope' Taylor Russell: "I'm a fan of director Na Hong-jin... I want to keep filming in Seoul" [Cannes★Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Selected for the competition section of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival... Film 'Hope' starring Taylor Russell

Canadian actress Taylor Russell expressed her excitement after making her debut at Cannes with director Na Hong-jin's film 'Hope'.

On the 18th (local time), Taylor Russell 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, and shared stories related to the work. 'Hope' is a story that begins when 'Beom-seok', the manager of the Pohang outpost located in the Demilitarized Zone, hears news from local youths that a tiger has appeared, causing the entire village to go on high alert, and he encounters an unbelievable reality.

Director Na Hong-jin's film 'Hope', released 10 years after 'The Wailing', had its world premiere at the Grand Lumière Theater on the 17th, followed by approximately seven minutes of standing ovations. 'Hope' is a thriller that also captivated audiences worldwide as a science fiction film featuring aliens.

Taylor Russell played the role of 'Idobor', a handmaiden to the empress 'Jor' (played by Alicia Vikander) in the film, delivering a performance as an alien.

Taylor Russell said, "This is my first experience at the Cannes Film Festival. It's so thrilling. I've wanted to come here for a long time, and I am so happy to be in the competition section with the best script, a perfect cast, special actors, and director Na Hong-jin."

When asked about her impressions after watching the film for the first time, Taylor Russell said, "I didn't know how the alien would appear. It was completely different from what I imagined." She added, "When I was first approached by Director Na, I was a bit confused and didn't know what I should do. But after watching the film, I think I understand a bit more. At first, I didn't know how to act or how it would turn out. However, I decided to do the film because I really wanted to work with director Na Hong-jin. Now that the film is out, it surpasses my imagination. I learned a lot."

Expressing her admiration for director Na Hong-jin, Taylor Russell said, "I like 'The Chaser', 'The Yellow Sea', and 'The Wailing'. I have watched all of the director's films released so far. I would like to see the director's short films, but they are hard to find with just an online search."

Taylor Russell said, "I joined during the later stages of filming. Even though filming was nearing its end, I felt endless energy working together. It was such a great feeling. Everyone did a great job." She continued, "I received a lot of hospitality in Korea. They took great care of us, and the staff were highly professional while working with smiles. Many people worked hard to bring out director Na's vision. Instead of being a lonely presence on set, we were welcomed and filmed as such. I hope I can continue working in Seoul." She smiled.

Meanwhile, the Cannes International Film Festival will announce the winners among this year's competition entries at the closing ceremony on the 23rd. It remains to be seen whether director Na Hong-jin's new science fiction film 'Hope' will be honored with an award at the closing ceremony of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival.

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*This content was translated by AI.