▲ Actors Park Gyu-young (L), Im Si-wan (C) and Jo Woo-jin is seen in this photo provided by Netflix on Sept. 2, 2024. (Yonhap)

 

   SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- Netflix is set to expand the universe of its 2023 hit action film "Kill Boksoon" with a spin-off titled "Mantis," starring Im Si-wan in the lead role.

 

   The streaming giant announced Monday that "Mantis" will focus on a killer named "Mantis," who works for MK Entertainment, the contract killing company featured in the original film.

 

   "Kill Boksoon," which starred Jeon Do-yeon, was a success for Netflix, garnering over 63.3 million viewing hours globally. 

 

   While the previous movie explores the story of Gil Boksoon struggling to balance her life as a single mom and a killer, "Mantis" will captivate audiences with intense action from the titular character and two others, each racing toward their own goals, Netflix said in a release.

 

   Singer-actor Im has been cast as the protagonist, a legendary assassin briefly mentioned in the original film.

 

   Park Gyu-young will join the cast as Jae-yi, a character expelled from MK Entertainment, while Jo Woo-jin will portray Dok-go, a retired killer. The ensemble is expected to deliver high-octane action sequences.

 

   Lee Tae-sung, who served as assistant director of "Kill Boksoon," will make his directorial debut with "Mantis." 

 

   Byun Sung-hyun, the director of the original film, participated as a screenwriter. 

 

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