Mantis l Netflix Korean movie overview

Netflix is set to expand the universe of its acclaimed action film Kill Boksoon with a thrilling spin-off titled Mantis.

Mantis Information

Mantis Cast

Yim Si-Wan as Han-ul

 an elite assassin codenamed ‘Mantis’ who returns to the assassin industry after a hiatus.

Yim Si-Wan
◾Date of Birth: December 1, 1988
◾Place of Birth: Busan, South Korea
◾Debut Work: Debuted as a member of the boy band ZE:A in 2010; began acting with the television series ‘Moon Embracing the Sun’ in 2012.
◾Notable Works: ‘The Attorney,’ ‘Misaeng: Incomplete Life,’ ‘Strangers from Hell,’ ‘Unlocked’
◾Social Media: Instagram

Park Gyu-Young as Jae-yi

 former colleague of Han-ul who was ousted from their organization.

Park Gyu-Young
◾Date of Birth: July 27, 1993
◾Place of Birth: Busan, South Korea
◾Debut Work: Made her acting debut in the web drama ‘Love Playlist’ in 2017.
◾Notable Works: ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,’ ‘Sweet Home,’ ‘Dali and Cocky Prince,’ ‘Celebrity’
◾Social Media: Instagram

Jo Woo-Jin as Dok-go

a retired legendary killer who has taken over as the CEO of their agency.

Jo Woo-Jin
◾Date of Birth: January 16, 1979
◾Place of Birth: Daegu, South Korea
◾Debut Work: Began his acting career in theater before transitioning to film and television; gained recognition with the film ‘Inside Men’ in 2015.
◾Notable Works: ‘The Drug King,’ ‘Default,’ ‘Mr. Sunshine,’ ‘Happiness’
◾Social Media: Instagram

Mantis Plot

Set in the same universe as the 2023 film Kill Boksoon, “Mantis” follows Han-ul, an elite assassin known by the codename “Mantis,” who returns to the assassin industry after a hiatus. Upon his return, he encounters Jae-yi, a former colleague ousted from their organization, and Dok-go, a retired legendary killer who has taken over as the CEO of their agency. As the assassin industry faces chaos and a power vacuum, these three characters navigate a treacherous landscape, each vying for dominance while confronting their intertwined pasts.

Filming commenced in August 2024 and concluded in December 2024. The film is currently in post-production, with its release slated for Q3 2025 on Netflix.

Mantis Points to Watch

Spin-off of “Kill Boksoon”

Title: Kill Boksoon (길복순)
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Platform: Netflix
Director and Writer: Byun Sung-hyun

Gil Bok-soon is a single mother and a top-tier contract killer working for M.K. Ent., a leading assassin agency. She boasts a 100% success rate in her missions. While she excels in her profession, she struggles to connect with her teenage daughter, Gil Jae-yeong. As her contract renewal approaches, Bok-soon faces a moral dilemma when assigned a mission she finds hard to accept, leading her into a web of internal conflicts and confrontations within the assassin industry.

Upon its release, “Kill Boksoon” garnered significant attention for its dynamic action sequences and the compelling performance of Jeon Do-yeon. The film was praised for its unique blend of action and drama, exploring the dual life of a mother who is also a professional killer. It achieved substantial viewership on Netflix, contributing to its global popularity.

Connection to “Mantis”

“Mantis” is a spin-off set in the same universe as “Kill Boksoon.” The narrative focuses on Han-ul, an elite assassin codenamed “Mantis,” who returns to the assassin industry after a hiatus. The film delves into his interactions with former colleagues and the challenges he faces in a chaotic underworld. This shared universe allows “Mantis” to expand upon the world-building established in “Kill Boksoon,” exploring different facets of the assassin industry and introducing new characters while maintaining connections to the original film.

Essential Information for Understanding “Mantis”

To fully appreciate “Mantis,” familiarity with the following aspects of “Kill Boksoon” would be beneficial:

1. M.K. Ent.: The assassin agency where Gil Bok-soon worked, known for employing top-tier killers and managing high-profile contracts.
2. Assassin Hierarchy: The structured ranking system within the agency, highlighting the status and reputation of killers like Bok-soon.
3. Key Events: Significant occurrences in “Kill Boksoon” that may influence the narrative or character motivations in “Mantis.”

Understanding these elements will provide a richer context for “Mantis,” enhancing the viewing experience by connecting character arcs and plot developments across both films.

Why I’m Excited for Mantis

As a spin-off of Kill Boksoon, Mantis has all the right ingredients to be a stylish, action-packed thriller that expands on the fascinating world of professional assassins. Given the success of Kill Boksoon, which delivered intense action sequences and layered character dynamics, I’m eager to see how Mantis takes things to the next level.

One of the most exciting aspects is the focus on Han-ul (Mantis), played by Yim Si-Wan. Known for his incredible versatility (Emergency Declaration, Unlocked), Yim is expected to bring both depth and unpredictability to the role. His character’s return to the assassin industry hints at a high-stakes, fast-paced narrative, with betrayals, power struggles, and intense fight choreography.

Another reason I’m looking forward to Mantis is its world-building. Kill Boksoon introduced a unique world where assassins operate under strict rules, much like John Wick, but left plenty of room for expansion. This spin-off allows us to explore the inner workings of the assassin industry, uncover new rivalries, and meet dangerous figures like Dok-go (Jo Woo-Jin) and Jae-yi (Park Gyu-Young).

With Byun Sung-Hyun returning as a writer and Lee Tae-Sung directing, we can expect the same sharp dialogue, stylish cinematography, and explosive action that made Kill Boksoon so engaging. Netflix has been delivering high-quality Korean action thrillers, and if Mantis follows in the footsteps of Carter, My Name, and Believer 2, it could be one of 2025’s standout films.

Overall, Mantis has all the makings of a gritty, adrenaline-fueled action thriller that not only expands the Kill Boksoon universe but also delivers a fresh and thrilling standalone story. I can’t wait to see how this deadly game of survival unfolds!

Mantis OST

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Mantis Trailer Video

Mantis Poster

Wall to Wall Overview – Cast, Plot and Original
Revelations Overview – Cast, Plot and Original

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