How a Korean-scripted, Korean-financed action film starring Milla Jovovich is rewriting the rules of U.S.–Korea co-production

Poster of ‘Protector’ (provided by Ascendio)

Protector, starring Milla Jovovich and released in South Korea on March 25, is turning the conventional model of U.S.–Korea co-productions on its head. The film's screenplay, casting, investment, and distribution were driven by Korean companies — including Aanaxion Studio and Blossom Entertainment — while American actors and crew were brought on board for production, which was completed in New Mexico. The film opened in the United States first (March 6, on approximately 1,007 screens) before its domestic Korean release followed. If past U.S.–Korea co-productions were largely defined by "Hollywood capital and vision, with Korean talent in supporting roles," Protector reverses that equation entirely.

From a Korean Script to a Hollywood Cast

The project began with Moon Bong-seop, head of Aanaxion Studio and the film's screenwriter, whose career was built in the Korean film industry (Chungmuro). The project gained real momentum in July 2024 when Milla Jovovich — best known for the Resident Evil franchise — came on board. The stunt and action unit was subsequently reinforced by 87North Productions, the American specialty house behind the John Wick series, bringing the film's action sequences to a higher level of craft.

At last year's Busan International Film Festival, Jovovich described Protector as "a work of art born from two different cultures thinking and creating together." The fact that a Hollywood A-lister chose an original script by a Korean writer speaks volumes about the shifting global perception of K-content — a momentum that traces directly back to Parasite's historic sweep of four Academy Awards.

Looking Ahead to the 'K-Hollywood' Era

The deeper significance of Protector lies in its production structure. For a long time, the Korean film industry's relationship with overseas markets was largely confined to selling finished films at festivals or film markets. Recently, however, co-productions originating at the development stage have been on the rise — from CJ ENM taking the lead on creative development and production with Bugonia, to Warner Bros. approaching Korean production companies to remake The Intern.

Against this backdrop, Protector has taken the first steps toward a new paradigm for Korean content: a 'K-Hollywood' era. The aspiration is a future in which Korean cinema is not simply the country of origin for content, but a driving force within the global production system itself.

Sources

• Munhwa Ilbo, "'Korean Script, Milla Jovovich in the Lead… K-Hollywood Is Just Getting Started'", 2026.03.17

• MBC News, "Korean-American Hollywood Action Film — Milla Jovovich's Protector", 2026.03.25

• Nate News, "The 'K-Hollywood' Era", 2026.03.27