Netflix has set “City Hunter 2,” a sequel to its 2024 live-action hit “City Hunter,” with a global premiere set for 2027.
Suzuki Ryohei returns as protagonist Ryo Saeba, with Morita Misato reprising her role as partner Kaori Makimura. Kimura Fumino joins the cast as sharp-tongued detective Saeko Nogami.
Shiraki Keiichiro directs from a screenplay by Yamaoka Junpei. The film is produced by HoriPro Inc. and Film-makers Inc. for Netflix, with producers Kono Misato, Kikuchi Miyoshi, Tsuchii Tomoo and Miyazaki Shinya. The project is based on the manga by Hojo Tsukasa.
The first film landed at No. 1 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 (Non-English Films) in its opening week of April 22–28, 2024, and cracked the Top 10 across 32 countries, among them Japan, France, South Korea, Hong Kong and Brazil. The release sparked a ninefold surge in sales of Hojo’s original manga across both physical and digital editions, while location shooting at industrial heritage sites around Kobe generated roughly JPY129 million ($811,000) in local economic activity. The underlying manga has accumulated worldwide sales of more than 50 million copies since its original publication.
Suzuki plays Ryo Saeba, a Shinjuku-based operative who takes on dangerous jobs from the criminal underworld – bringing exceptional marksmanship and a cool, analytical mind to every mission, yet undone by the presence of attractive women.
“It’s thanks to everyone who loved and supported the previous film that we are able to bring you this new installment. I’m truly grateful,” Suzuki said. “Not only for long-time fans but also for those discovering ‘City Hunter’ for the first time, I hope this film will allow audiences to fully experience the charm of the original story.”
Hojo added” “I recently had the opportunity to visit the set, and I was deeply impressed by the incredible passion of Ryohei Suzuki and the director. In particular, Ryohei’s physical transformation was remarkable – it clearly reflected his dedication and commitment to every project he takes on. I have no doubt that this will be a fantastic piece of art filled with the passion of everyone involved.”
For Shiraki, stepping into the franchise carries considerable weight. “‘City Hunter’ was a series I was completely absorbed in as a boy, through both the manga and anime,” the director said. “Rather than pure excitement, I feel the immense pressure and challenge of taking on such a legendary work. How can we bring the world of the original to life in the Reiwa era without losing what makes it special? It truly feels like trying to thread a needle.”
Takahashi Shinichi, Netflix Japan’s director of live action creative, highlighted the broader significance of the project for the streamer’s Japanese output. “Following the tremendous response to the previous film, we are truly delighted to bring you the first-ever sequel to a Netflix film from Japan,” he said. “Cooler than ever, goofier than ever, and more emotional than ever – ‘City Hunter 2’ is on its way.”
Filming is currently underway.
variety.com
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