Darisu Khondji (Se7en, Evita, Midnight in Paris) is the latest addition to Bong Joon-ho’s upcoming film Okja. The renowned cinematographer has come on board the South Korean director’s project.
Netflix is funding the film and Brad Pitt’s production, Plan B Entertainment (World War Z, 12 Years a Slave), is the co-producer. With a budget of $50 million, it is on track to become one of the most expensive Korean films ever to be made.
Its star studded cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Tilda Swinton and Bill Nighy.
Bong described the project as a “great opportunity” as a filmmaker which granted him absolute creative freedom as well as a large budget.
Despite initial reports about the film being a monster movie, Bong explained the character is not a typical monster but rather a kind spirited animal. During his interview with Variety, he said “The film is about a warm friendship between a country girl and a brute with stories”.
“To me, the crazy world surrounding Okja and the girl looks more like a monster. I want to depict the two characters’ bizarre journey and adventure across the tough world in an original fashion”.
Shooting for Okja will begin in early 2017 in Korea and U.S. It is due to be released in cinemas later that year.
