Netflix Mantis Movie: Squid Game Stars Im Si-wan & Park Gyu-young Team Up in Kill Boksoon Spin-off
The action thriller premieres September 26, featuring dual sickle-wielding assassin Han-ul in Netflix's first Korean spin-off film
Netflix's "Mantis" debuts September 26, 2025, bringing together Squid Game Season 3 stars Im Si-wan and Park Gyu-young in a high-octane assassin thriller. The film serves as a spin-off to the 2023 hit "Kill Boksoon" starring Jeon Do-yeon.
Plot and Characters
Elite assassin Han-ul, codename "Mantis," returns from vacation to find the contract killer industry in chaos. After MK Entertainment CEO Cha Min-kyu's death, Han-ul must compete against former training partner Jae-yi (Park Gyu-young) and retired legend Dok-go (Jo Woo-jin) for supremacy.
Unique Weapons Define Each Fighter:
- Im Si-wan (Han-ul/Mantis): Dual sickles that visually resemble a praying mantis
- Park Gyu-young (Jae-yi): Long sword with flowing linear movements
- Jo Woo-jin (Dok-go): Can weaponize anything as a legendary master
From Squid Game to Assassin Action
Im Si-wan played crypto influencer Lee Myung-gi (Player 333) in Squid Game seasons 2-3, while Park Gyu-young portrayed Pink Guard Kang No-eul. Their Mantis reunion marks a dramatic genre shift from survival horror to stylized action.
Im Si-wan revealed the role felt destined: "When 'Kill Boksoon' was being filmed, director Byun Sung-hyun asked me to voice the Mantis character. Though that didn't happen, I received the name 'Mantis' from that moment-it felt like predetermined fate."
Distinguished from SBS Drama
The film coincides with SBS drama "Queen Mantis" starring Go Hyun-jung, creating potential confusion. Im Si-wan clarified the key difference: "Go Hyun-jung's 'Mantis' is ruthless and malicious. Our Han-ul is human and kind. That one represents evil, but I represent good-completely different killers."
Production Details
- Director: Lee Tae-sung (feature debut, former "Kill Boksoon" assistant director)
- Writers: Lee Tae-sung and Byun Sung-hyun ("Kill Boksoon" director)
- Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes
- Rating: TV-MA
- Language: Korean with subtitles
Kill Boksoon Universe Expansion
"Kill Boksoon" achieved 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and became a Netflix hit. Mantis represents Netflix's first Korean spin-off film, expanding the MK Entertainment assassin universe established in the original.
The character Mantis was mentioned in "Kill Boksoon" as being "on vacation," setting up this standalone story.
What to Expect
The film promises "brutal and stylish showdowns among contract killers in a world where established rules have collapsed". Director Lee Tae-sung positions it as a thrilling action film distinguished by stylish choreography and layered character dynamics.
Stream "Mantis" exclusively on Netflix starting September 26, 2025.
