Yeon Sang Ho’s upcoming zombie thriller Colony is already shaping up to be a global hit ahead of its release.
The film, which has been officially invited to the Midnight Screenings section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, has been pre-sold to 124 countries before its Korean theatrical debut on May 21st.
Colony follows a group of isolated survivors trapped inside a quarantined building during a mysterious outbreak, as they battle infected beings that evolve into increasingly unpredictable forms.
The project has drawn major attention overseas thanks to director Yeon Sang Ho’s reputation as the filmmaker behind acclaimed zombie hits Train to Busan and Peninsula. Anticipation has also been fueled by the star-studded cast, led by Jun Ji Hyun in her long-awaited return to the big screen after 11 years alongside Koo Kyo Hwan, Ji Chang Wook, Shin Hyun Been, Kim Shin Rock and Go Soo.
North American distributor Well Go USA — which also distributed Train to Busan and Peninsula — praised Yeon’s proven track record. CEO Doris Pfardrescher shared, “We chose ‘Colony’ because director Yeon Sang Ho has consistently demonstrated his ability to create highly accomplished crowd-pleasing films through works like ‘Train to Busan.’”
Taiwanese distributor Movie Cloud also highlighted the film’s fresh take on the zombie genre, saying, “What fascinated us most was how the infected are portrayed not simply as chaotic zombies, but as an evolving collective with intelligence.”
German distributor Plaion Pictures went even further with its praise, calling the film “another masterpiece that will become a new benchmark for years to come.”
“Yeon Sang Ho reinvented an entire subgenre through his bold and original zombie trilogy,” the company shared. “With ‘Colony,’ he reaches a new peak. It’s easily his most entertaining film yet — pure fun from beginning to its spectacular ending.”
Following its Korean release on May 21st, Colony will begin its global rollout shortly after. The film is set to open in Taiwan and Malaysia on May 22nd, followed by France, Singapore and the Philippines on May 27th. Australia and New Zealand releases are scheduled for June 11th, while North America will get the film on August 28th. A Japanese release is also planned for 2027.
In the meantime, watch Jun Ji Hyun in The Thieves on Amasian TV for free.
Source: Showbox
