Netflix has started production on City Hunter 2, the sequel to its successful 2024 live-action adaptation of the iconic Japanese manga. Ryohei Suzuki reprises his role as protagonist Ryo Saeba, alongside Misato Morita as Kaori Makimura and Fumino Kimura as Saeko Nogami. The film is slated for a global premiere in 2027.
Filming for City Hunter 2 is currently underway in Japan, marking the first sequel to a Netflix original film from the country. Directed by Keiichiro Shiraki from a screenplay by Junpei Yamaoka, the project is produced by HoriPro Inc. and Film-makers Inc. for Netflix. Producers include Misato Kono, Miyoshi Kikuchi, Tomoo Tsuchii, and Shinya Miyazaki. It adapts the manga series by Tsukasa Hojo, which has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide since its debut. The story follows Ryo Saeba, a Shinjuku-based operative skilled in marksmanship and analysis but flustered by attractive women, alongside his partner Kaori Makimura and detective Saeko Nogami. The original 2024 film topped Netflix’s Global Top 10 for non-English films in its opening week of April 22–28 and reached the Top 10 in 32 countries, including Japan, France, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Brazil. It boosted manga sales ninefold and generated about JPY129 million ($811,000) in economic activity from shoots at Kobe heritage sites. Ryohei Suzuki expressed gratitude, stating, “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. 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.” Manga creator Tsukasa Hojo praised Suzuki’s dedication after visiting the set: “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.” Director Shiraki noted the challenge: “‘City Hunter’ was a series I was completely absorbed in as a boy... It truly feels like trying to thread a needle.” Netflix Japan’s Shinichi Takahashi added, “Cooler than ever, goofier than ever, and more emotional than ever – ‘City Hunter 2’ is on its way.”
