Image: Netflix Press
By Jon Donnis
Netflix has officially confirmed the production of Mantis (WT), an action-packed film that follows the titular character, Mantis, an ace assassin who returns to a now-collapsed hired killer industry after a long-awaited vacation. Upon his reentry into this anarchic world, Mantis finds himself facing off against two formidable figures: Jae-yi, his former fellow trainee and rival, and Dok-go, a retired legendary assassin. As they each pursue their own goals, the competition to claim the top spot among killers becomes a deadly game of skill, strategy, and survival.
Mantis (WT) is a spin-off set in the same hired killer universe as the 2023 Netflix film Kill Boksoon, which garnered significant attention after premiering at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival. While Kill Boksoon focused on the story of Gil Boksoon, a single mother trying to balance her life as a killer, Mantis (WT) shifts the spotlight to a new trio of assassins, each with their own complex motivations. This film promises to captivate audiences with its intense action sequences and intricate character dynamics, showcasing the fierce competition within this world of professional killers.
The screenplay for Mantis (WT) was co-written by Byun Sung-hyun, who directed Kill Boksoon and vividly portrayed the menacing contract killer industry in that film. Byun's collaboration with Lee Tae-sung, who served as an assistant director on Kill Boksoon and The King, marks a significant step for Lee as he makes his debut as a feature director with this highly anticipated film.
Yim Si-wan, known for his performances in Unlocked and Emergency Declaration, takes on the role of Han-ul, the skilled assassin better known as Mantis, who works for MK Ent. In Kill Boksoon, Mantis was mentioned by Cha Min-kyu as being on vacation, but now he returns to an industry in disarray, seeking new opportunities amid the chaos. Yim Si-wan, who has been widely praised for his role in The Merciless, is expected to bring depth and intensity to the character of Mantis, a creation of Byun Sung-hyun.
Park Gyu-young, star of Sweet Home and Celebrity, will portray Jae-yi, an exceptionally talented assassin who was once ousted from MK Ent. after falling out of favour with her superiors. Jae-yi, who shares a complicated history with Mantis, struggles with conflicting feelings towards him, both admiring and resenting his unmatched skills. Park Gyu-young is set to explore new dimensions in her acting career, tackling the emotional complexities of Jae-yi while also engaging in demanding action scenes that will showcase her versatility as an actress.
Adding to the film's powerful ensemble is Jo Woo-jin, known for his roles in Narco-Saints and Alienoid. Jo takes on the role of Dok-go, a retired legendary assassin and founding member of MK Ent. After stepping down from active duty, Dok-go took over as CEO following Cha Min-kyu's death, with the hope of bringing Mantis back into the fold. With Jo Woo-jin's seasoned acting skills, Dok-go's character is expected to be a formidable presence, adding layers of tension and intrigue to the film.
Mantis (WT) is being produced by SEE AT Film Co., LTD, the production company behind notable films such as Kill Boksoon, Love and Leashes, and Kingmaker. As the film gears up for production, expectations are high for this next chapter in the hired killer universe, with fans eagerly anticipating a new round of explosive action and gripping drama.
