Netflix has set “City Hunter 2,” a sequel to its 2024 live-action hit “City Hunter,” with a world 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 solid 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 predicated on the manga by Hojo Tsukasa.
The primary film landed at No. 1 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 (Non-English Movies) in its opening week of April 22–28, 2024, and cracked the Top 10 across 32 countries, amongst them Japan, France, South Korea, Hong Kong and Brazil. The discharge sparked a ninefold surge in sales of Hojo’s original manga across each 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 accrued worldwide sales of greater 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 each mission, yet undone by the presence of attractive women.
“It’s due to everyone who loved and supported the previous film that we’re capable of bring you this recent installment. I’m truly grateful,” Suzuki said. “Not just for long-time fans but in addition for those discovering ‘City Hunter’ for the primary time, I hope this film will allow audiences to totally experience the charm of the unique story.”
Hojo added” “I recently had the chance to go to the set, and I used to be deeply impressed by the incredible passion of Ryohei Suzuki and the director. Particularly, Ryohei’s physical transformation was remarkable – it clearly reflected his dedication and commitment to each project he takes on. I even have little question that this will likely be a incredible piece of art full of the eagerness of everyone involved.”
For Shiraki, entering into the franchise carries considerable weight. “‘City Hunter’ was a series I used to be completely absorbed in as a boy, through each the manga and anime,” the director said. “Relatively than pure excitement, I feel the immense pressure and challenge of taking up such a legendary work. How can we bring the world of the unique to life within the Reiwa era without losing what makes it special? It truly appears like attempting to thread a needle.”
Takahashi Shinichi, Netflix Japan’s director of live motion creative, highlighted the broader significance of the project for the streamer’s Japanese output. “Following the tremendous response to the previous film, we’re 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.