In what could be one of the most exciting creative team-ups in modern cinema, legendary horror filmmaker and composer John Carpenter has officially joined Bong Joon-ho's upcoming horror-action film as its composer. The news was confirmed in the most cinematic way possible—at a screening of Carpenter's 1982 cult classic The Thing, where Bong himself asked the director if he'd be interested in scoring the film. Before Bong could even finish his pitch, Carpenter immediately jumped in:
“I wanna do your score.”
A handshake sealed the deal, and Bong assured the audience that this was “officially” happening. Horror fans, rejoice—this collaboration might just be a match made in genre heaven.
What We Know About Bong Joon-ho's Horror Film
Bong, an auteur known for his genre-bending storytelling (Parasite, Memories of Murder, The Host), has been teasing this horror-action project for over two decades. Details remain scarce, but here's what we do know:
- The film is set in an underground Seoul subway station and blends horror with action.
- Bong describes it as his “life project”—one he's been conceptualizing since 2001.
- It has been compared in scope to his 2006 creature feature The Host, which became one of Korea's most beloved genre films.
- Unlike Parasite and Memories of Murder, which leaned into social commentary, this film is expected to be a pure genre exercise—possibly his most terrifying film to date.
Bong is no stranger to blending horror with dark humor and emotional depth. If The Host was a monster movie with heart, his upcoming project could be a full-throttle, nerve-shredding horror-action masterpiece.
Why Carpenter's Involvement Is a Big Deal
John Carpenter is, quite simply, one of the greatest horror composers of all time. His instantly recognizable synth-driven scores have defined the genre, from the eerie simplicity of Halloween to the pulse-pounding tension of The Thing.
Carpenter's ability to create atmospheric, dread-filled soundscapes perfectly complements Bong's knack for suspense and tonal shifts. Imagine the claustrophobic corridors of a Seoul subway station, bathed in flickering fluorescent light, as Carpenter's signature synths hum ominously in the background.
While Carpenter was initially attached to score A24's Death of a Unicorn, he was later replaced, leaving him available for this project. Some fans speculate that Bong's film will serve as a return to form for Carpenter, who hasn't scored a major horror film in years.
Bong's Upcoming Projects & “Mickey 17” Fallout
Before his horror film, Bong has already wrapped production on an animated sci-fi movie about sea creatures, possibly titled The Valley. But his most immediate release is Mickey 17, a sci-fi thriller starring Robert Pattinson, set to hit VOD soon.
Mickey 17 has faced a mixed reception, with critics calling it an ambitious but uneven effort. Some suggest Bong is at his best when working in his native Korean language, making his upcoming horror-action film an exciting return to his roots.
Bong Joon-ho and John Carpenter joining forces is the kind of news that sends chills down a cinephile's spine. Bong's meticulous storytelling, combined with Carpenter's legendary soundscapes, could result in a horror film that's both terrifying and unforgettable.
While details remain scarce, one thing is clear: this project is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated horror films in years. If Bong can channel the tension of Memories of Murder and the spectacle of The Host, with Carpenter's music amplifying every moment, we might be looking at an instant classic.
Could this collaboration rival the great horror scores of all time? What do you hope to see in Bong Joon-ho's new horror film? Let us know in the comments!
