A 21st-century monster classic is set to hit theaters again in stunning 4K.
One of the standout films from the renowned director Bong Joon Ho is making its way back to theaters. The Host is set for a 4K remaster, hitting screens on November 20, 2026. This beloved 2006 sci-fi flick will feature an exclusive discussion with Bong during its theatrical run.
The Host tells the story of Gang-du (played by Song Kang-ho), a food stand worker who witnesses chaos when a massive amphibious monster rises from the Han River, wreaking havoc and snatching his daughter. As the aftermath unfolds, the government declares the creature a host for an unidentified virus and quarantines the area. In a shocking turn, Gang-du receives a call from his daughter, whom he believed to be lost. Determined to rescue her, he sets out to confront the monster while dodging government restrictions.
This film marked Bong’s third feature, following his earlier works, Barking Dogs Never Bite and Memories of Murder. The Host became one of the highest-grossing films in South Korean history, raking in nearly $100 million on a budget of about $11 million, and it played a significant role in boosting global interest in Bong’s films. Critics lauded the movie for its blend of satire, humor, and thrilling monster action, while also recognizing its sharp critique of American imperialism, likening it to a modern-day Godzilla.
Since The Host, Bong has continued to impress with a series of critically acclaimed films that tackle heavy themes, including Mother, Snowpiercer, and Okja. His 2019 film Parasite made history as the first non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, celebrated for its incisive commentary on class and masterful direction.
In a surprising shift, Bong’s upcoming project, Ally, is a family-friendly animated film featuring a charming mascot. The story follows a piglet squid named Ally on a quest to see the sun. With a voice cast that includes Alex Jayne Go, Ayo Edebiri, Bradley Cooper, and Dave Bautista, the film is slated for release in 2027. While this venture into family animation is a departure from Bong’s usual fare, his track record suggests he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Ally explores the adventures of a curious piglet squid in the Pacific Ocean.