Past Lives sequel sees gang reunite to search for ancient Korean treasure

Celine Song’s Past Lives was one of the most acclaimed films of last or any year, so there was little surprise when a sequel was announced.

The new film will feature the same three characters of Nora, Hae Sung, and Arthur, and this time they’re going on an exciting adventure through the ancient forests and mountains of Korea to search for an ancient treasure.

“With the first film, we used subtext to establish the longing and regret at the heart of these complex characters’ lives,” explained Song.

“Now the characters are clear in viewers’ minds, with all the underlying desires and feelings, we can leave all those subtle looks and unspoken yearnings behind and go on a really exciting adventure to find a 2000-year-old Korean treasure.”

The film will begin with Nora researching her homeland for a new play. As part of her reading, she discovers an ancient treasure that was last seen just outside her old hometown of Seoul. She and Arthur fly out to Korea where they are met by Hae Sung, and together the three of them set out on an exciting quest to find the treasure. But, the ruthless North Koreans also know about it and will stop at nothing to get it for themselves.

“It’s here that we see Hae Sung and Nora’s magical connection really develop. Not only does their bond cross past lives, but it also gives them the power to understand what the other is thinking and even, as they discover, allows them to anticipate each other’s behaviour whilst in combat. This gives them a surprising advantage against the North Korean army,” explained Song.

Past Lives 2: Hunt for the Treasure of Seoul will start filming later this year, and if it’s as successful as the first film, a third film will follow that sees the three characters having to go on the run to defend themselves from a mysterious cyborg sent from the future to assassinate them.