Mantis

"Mantis" is an eagerly awaited South Korean action thriller that expands the assassin universe introduced in the 2023 film Kill Boksoon. As a spin-off, it promises high-octane action, intricate rivalries, and a fresh take on the cutthroat world of contract killers.

Overview

"Mantis" (Korean: "사마귀," romanized as "Samagwi") is a South Korean action thriller film marking the feature directorial debut of Lee Tae-sung, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Byun Sung-hyun. Produced by See At Film and distributed exclusively by Netflix, the movie is set in the same hired killer universe as "Kill Boksoon." The film features intense themes of competition, betrayal, and ambition in a chaotic assassination industry. Production was confirmed by Netflix on September 2, 2024, with filming spanning five months from August 1, 2024, to December 20, 2024. It is rated 18+ for violence and profanity, catering to fans of gritty, adult-oriented action. The film is scheduled for a global Netflix premiere on September 26, 2025.

Plot Synopsis

The story revolves around Han Ul, an elite assassin nicknamed "Mantis," who returns from a prolonged vacation to discover the contract killing industry in utter disarray following the death of MK Enterprise's CEO, Cha Min-gyu. Deciding to break away from MK, Han Ul teams up with his longtime friend and rival Jae Yi to launch their own assassination agency, Mantis Company, aiming to dominate the field. Complicating matters is Dok Go, Han Ul's former mentor and a legendary retired killer, who steps in to take over MK Enterprise and attempts to lure Han Ul back. As the three navigate alliances, betrayals, and fierce competitions, they engage in a brutal war for supremacy, blurring lines between friendship, rivalry, and survival in a rule-less world.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Yim Si-wan as Han Ul / Mantis: A top-tier A-class assassin known for his precision and signature sickle weapon. As a "Gen Z killer," he rejects offers from big firms to start his own company, showcasing ambition and loyalty.
• Park Gyu-young as Jae Yi: Han Ul's fellow trainee, rival, and friend with lethal skills but lingering insecurities and jealousy. Expelled from MK, she joins Mantis Company while grappling with complex emotions.
• Jo Woo-jin as Dok Go: A retired legendary killer and co-founder of MK who returns to lead the company. As Han Ul's mentor, he embodies an "old-school" figure igniting his final spark.

Supporting Cast

• Choi Hyun-wook as Benjamin, a young gaming CEO who invests in Mantis Company and manipulates Jae Yi's insecurities.
• Yoo Su-bin as Dong Young, a quick-thinking recruiter for the new agency.
• Jeon Bae-soo as Bae Soo, the warmhearted CEO of Jae Yi's former small agency.
• Bae Gang-hee as Soo Min, the loyal youngest crew member.
• Hwang Seong-bin as Bboom Bbayi, the team's scapegoat.
• Sul Kyung-gu appears as Cha Min-gyu (voice or cameo from Kill Boksoon).

Reception

Pre-release buzz has been positive, driven by trailers, posters, and cast interviews that highlight its stylish action and connections to Kill Boksoon.

Director Lee Tae-sung praised the cast as a "perfect mix" and "lucky as fate."

Early promotional materials, including teasers featuring rhythmic action and taglines like "A new generation of rising killers," have built anticipation for its intense rivalries.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Mantis: Netflix Assassin Universe Spin-Off

"Mantis" is Netflix's spin-off to the 2023 hit "Kill Boksoon," expanding its assassin universe with familiar elements like MK Enterprise.

Origin of the Title "Mantis"

The film's nickname for the protagonist, "Mantis," derives from Chinese characters meaning "death," "demon," and "spirit," symbolizing his deadly prowess.

Trailers and Standout Action Sequences

Trailers emphasize fast-paced, stylish action with standout lines like Jae Yi's taunt "Am I not above you now?" and Han Ul's retort "Is that why you wanted to kill me?"

Filming and Action Training

Filming wrapped after five months, with actors undergoing rigorous action training; Park Gyu-young highlighted her focus on detailed fight choreography.

Posters and Teasers

Posters feature blood splatters and the sickle weapon, teasing brutal confrontations, while teasers include warnings from Dok Go about Jae Yi's similarities to him.

Final Thoughts

"Mantis" appears poised to deliver a thrilling extension of the "Kill Boksoon" universe, with its blend of visceral action, psychological depth, and stellar performances from Yim Si-wan, Park Gyu-young, and Jo Woo-jin. As a directorial debut for Lee Tae-sung, it showcases ambitious storytelling in a chaotic assassin world, making it a potential standout for action enthusiasts in 2025.

Where to Watch

Streaming Access

"Mantis" will be available exclusively for streaming on Netflix worldwide starting September 26, 2025.

Main Role

Park Gyu-Young Yim Si-Wan Jo Woo-Jin

Support Role

Sul Kyung-Gu Jeon Do-Yeon Choi Hyun-Wook Bae Gang-Hee Hwang Sung-Bin Yu Su-Bin (Yoo Soo-Bin)

Guest Role

Jeon Bae-Soo Kim Jun-Bae (Kim Tae-Han)

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