Bong Joon Ho Film The Host Getting 4K Theatrical Re-Release

One of the best films from acclaimed director Bong Joon Ho is returning to the big screen. The Host is getting a 4K remaster that arrives in theaters on Nov. 20, 2026. Magnolia Pictures is handling the re-release of this 2006 sci-fi movie, and the theatrical run includes an exclusive conversation with Bong.

What is The Host about?

The Host follows Gang-du, played by Song Kang-ho. He is a food stand worker who witnesses a massacre when a giant amphibian monster emerges from the Han River and attacks bystanders, including his daughter. The government announces that the monster carries an unidentified virus and quarantines the area while victims lie shell-shocked. Gang-du unexpectedly receives a call from his daughter, whom he thought was dead. He resolves to find the monster and rescue his child while evading the government quarantine.

The Host was Bong’s third feature-length film, following 2000’s Barking Dogs Never Bite and 2003’s Memories of Murder. The monster movie became one of the highest-grossing South Korean pictures ever. It grossed close to $100 million on an 11 billion won budget, which equaled roughly $11 million, and helped start global viewership for Bong’s films. Critics praised the mix of satire, humor, and monster-movie thrills. The movie is also known for its critique of American imperialism and for working as a 20th-century Godzilla equivalent.

Since making The Host, Bong has directed several more critically acclaimed films with heavy themes, including Mother, Snowpiercer, and Okja. His 2019 movie Parasite became the first non-English-language picture to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards due to its class commentary and direction.

What is Bong Joon Ho working on next?

Most of Bong Joon Ho’s films earn R-ratings, so the premise of his next work, Ally, comes as a surprise. It is a family-friendly animated movie featuring an adorable mascot. The story centers on a piglet squid named Ally who sets off on an adventure to see the sun. The film stars Alex Jayne Go, Ayo Edebiri, Bradley Cooper, and Dave Bautista. It is currently expected to be released in 2027.

Source: Polygon