Highly-anticipated sci-fi blockbuster 'Alien' wraps up filming after 13 months

From left, actors Kim Woo-bin, Ryu Jun-yeol and Kim Tae-ri are seen in a scene from the crime sci-fi film, “Alien.” Courtesy of CJ ENM

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Director Choi Dong-hoon's two-part blockbuster, “Alien” (working title), wrapped up filming this week. Filming began in March 2020 after production was delayed briefly following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The time-slip movie depicts swordsmen during the Goryeo era (918-1392) and aliens living in the present attempting to find a mysterious sword. The two installments were shot simultaneously with a star-studded cast, including Ryu Jun-yeol, Kim Woo-bin, Kim Tae-ri, So Ji-sub, Lee Ha-nee, Yum Jung-ah and Jo Woo-jin.

The production team explained that the film features an unpredictable plot, unusual characters and witty humor.

“Three and a half years have passed since I first decided to make this film. We have spent 387 days shooting it. This has been the most difficult film to shoot among the ones I have worked on, but it has also brought the most joy to me. My biggest wish is that the production team can enjoy the finished film. I'm also grateful to the actors,” Choi said.

Among the films previously directed by Choi are: “Jeon Woochi: The Taoist Wizard,” (2009) “The Thieves” (2012) and “Assassination” (2015).

Ryu, who grew his hair long for “Alien,” said he wishes that the audience could feel the excitement the actors shared while filming.

Kim Woo-bin, who is returning to the big screen following the 2016 movie, “Master,” said he enjoyed every moment on the set, after taking a four-year hiatus, following being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer.

“I can't believe we have come to the end of a long journey that didn't seem to end. I'm sad to say goodbye to my character and the film crew, but I'm happy finally to be able to show my work to the audience,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to her castmates, Kim Tae-ri said that she gained a lot of energy from shooting the film. Lee echoed her sentiments, saying, “It will be remembered as a precious moment. During this difficult time, everyone did the best job he or she could.”

So said that he learned a lot from Director Choi, while Jo said that it was the strangest filming experience he ever had. “There are many never-before-seen scenes that were challenging to shoot. However, we were able to pull it off with the help of the director and staff.”

“Alien” will go into post-production, and its first installment will likely hit local theaters in the second half of 2021.