Netflix has given the green light to a live action movie adaptation of Tsukasa Hojo’s 80s manga City Hunter, which will be produced as part of the streamer’s slate of original Japanese content.
Yuichi Sato (The End of the Tiny World) will direct the film, with Ryohei Suzuki (Tokyo MER) starring in the lead role as protagonist Ryo Saeba. The official logline reads:
A modern-day updated version of the manga, set in the bustling streets of Shinjuku. When Ryo’s partner Makimura is killed, he and Makimura’s sister Kaori team up to find out the truth, thus forming a new duo.
“I am thrilled to be playing Ryo Saeba and feel a great deal of responsibility to portray this beloved, legendary character created by Tsukasa Hojo,” said Suzuki. “I cannot wait for both existing fans as well as newcomers around the world to fall in love with Ryo Saeba and his fun, action-packed adventures around modern-day Tokyo. We aim to strike the right balance between realism and fantasy, as well as tones from the 80s and today.”
“After about 10 years since the project came about, we’ve finally started rolling! I always hoped the lead would be played by someone who really liked ‘City Hunter’ and thanks to Ryohei’s unwavering passion, the time has finally come. I was invited to visit the set where it seemed like everybody was having a great time on this wonderful shoot, with attention paid to every detail. Thanks to the dedicated cast and crew, I’m looking forward to the title being brought to screen, with a fresh and realistic perspective that isn’t strictly bound to the original manga.”
“After about 10 years since the project came about, we’ve finally started rolling,” added Hojo. “I always hoped the lead would be played by someone who really liked City Hunter and thanks to Ryohei’s unwavering passion, the time has finally come. I was invited to visit the set where it seemed like everybody was having a great time on this wonderful shoot, with attention paid to every detail. Thanks to the dedicated cast and crew, I’m looking forward to the title being brought to screen, with a fresh and realistic perspective that isn’t strictly bound to the original manga.”
Launching in 1985, City Hunter went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide, and has been adapted on several occasions previously including anime, original video animations, and a Korean live-action drama series, as well as several feature films including the 1993 Hong Kong action comedy starring Jackie Chan. The new movie, set for release in 2024, marks the first live-action adaptation of the material from its native Japan.
