Mantis 2025 hit Netflix in September, bringing the highly anticipated spin-off from the acclaimed Kill Boksoon universe to screens worldwide. While action fans will find plenty of blade-wielding thrills, this South Korean assassin thriller struggles to match the storytelling punch that made its predecessor a critical darling. Here’s everything you need to know about this mixed-bag action spectacle.
Table of Contents
Mantis 2025: Movie Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 26, 2025 |
| Runtime | Under 2 hours |
| Lead Stars | Yim Si-wan, Park Gyu-young |
| Supporting Cast | Jo Woo-jin, Sul Kyung-gu (flashback) |
| Director | Lee Tae-sung |
| Writer | Byun Sung-hyun & Lee Tae-sung |
| Genre | Action, Thriller |
| Critic Rating | 2.5/5 stars |
| Connection | Kill Boksoon spin-off |
What Is Mantis 2025 About?
Mantis 2025 picks up immediately after the events of Kill Boksoon, where legendary assassin Gil Bok-soon dismantled the powerful MK Entertainment organization. The film follows Mantis (played by Squid Game star Yim Si-wan), a cocky young assassin returning from vacation to discover his entire world has collapsed into chaos.
With the assassin industry’s rulebook thrown out and former alliances shattered, Mantis teams up with fellow trainee Jae-yi (Park Gyu-young) and his retired mentor Dok-go (Jo Woo-jin) to build a new company. They’re all vying for the top spot in the power vacuum left behind—but personal relationships complicate everything.
The original Kill Boksoon earned a 79% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and accumulated nearly 28 million views, making it one of Netflix’s most successful South Korean films. Unfortunately, Mantis 2025 struggles to capture that same magic.
Where Mantis 2025 Succeeds and Falls Short
The Good: If you’re watching for the action, you won’t be disappointed. The fight choreography remains stellar, featuring inventive three-way battles, brutal kills, and Mantis’s signature sickle weapons. Action directors Seo ji-oh Lee and Seong-Cheol Ryu deliver the balletic violence fans loved in the original.
The Problem: The story lacks focus. While Kill Boksoon centered on one woman’s moral crisis and relationship with her daughter, Mantis 2025 gets bogged down in corporate politics and power struggles among assassins. The protagonist himself feels underdeveloped—his motivations revolve mostly around his romantic interest rather than compelling personal stakes.
The film spends too much time on workplace dynamics among contract killers and not enough building characters we care about. Even the romance between Mantis and Jae-yi feels forced, and by the conclusion, you’re left wondering if any of it mattered.
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Is Mantis 2025 Worth Watching?
If you loved Kill Boksoon primarily for its action sequences, Mantis 2025 delivers enough stylish combat to justify a watch. The sub-2-hour runtime means it won’t demand too much of your time. However, don’t expect the emotional depth, character development, or thematic weight that made the original special.
Squid Game fans curious about seeing Yim Si-wan and Park Gyu-young in action roles might find something to enjoy. South Korean action enthusiasts will appreciate the choreography, even if the story disappoints.
For a complete look at what’s streaming, check out Netflix’s action category for similar titles.
FAQs About Mantis 2025
Q: Do I need to watch Kill Boksoon before Mantis 2025?
Yes, Mantis 2025 directly continues from Kill Boksoon‘s ending. Understanding the MK Entertainment collapse and Bok-soon’s actions is essential to follow the plot. Watch Kill Boksoon first on Netflix for the full context.
Q: Is Mantis 2025 getting a sequel?
Netflix hasn’t announced plans for a Mantis 2025 sequel. Given the mixed reception and the way the story concludes, a follow-up seems unlikely unless viewership numbers significantly exceed expectations.
