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Ryo Saeba Is Back: Netflix Sets 'City Hunter 2' for Worldwide Premiere in 2027
The legendary sweeper Ryo Saeba returns in a new live-action chapter, with City Hunter 2 set to premiere worldwide in 2027, only on Netflix.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, Tsukasa Hojo's iconic manga "City Hunter" has sold over 50 million copies and left a lasting mark on pop culture. In 2024, the long-awaited first Japanese live-action adaptation premiered on Netflix, reimagining the story in modern-day Shinjuku and depicting how Ryo Saeba (Ryohei Suzuki) and Kaori Makimura (Misato Morita) first became partners. The film quickly took off, debuting at No. 1 on Netflix's Global Top 10 (Non-English Films) for the week of April 22-28, and entering the Top 10 in 32 countries and regions, including Japan, France, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Brazil.
The story centers on Ryo Saeba, an elite "sweeper" based in Shinjuku who takes on dangerous jobs from the criminal underworld. While he's notoriously hopeless around beautiful women and often loses composure in front of them, Ryo becomes a consummate professional once on the job, executing missions with extraordinary marksmanship, exceptional physical ability, and a calm, analytical mind. Ryohei Suzuki returns as the cool yet goofy and irresistibly charming Ryo Saeba, alongside Misato Morita as Kaori Makimura, his partner and heroine, and Fumino Kimura as the elegant yet sharp-tongued detective Saeko Nogami.
Keiichiro Shiraki steps in to direct the sequel, known for his dynamic pacing and high-tension action sequences, with a screenplay by Jumpei Yamaoka, who carefully crafts emotionally grounded character relationships. Building on the momentum of the first film, City Hunter 2 will further explore and elevate the distinctive world of the beloved original manga.
The sequel's production was announced on March 26, Ryo Saeba's birthday. Ryohei Suzuki expressed his gratitude: "It is thanks to everyone who loved and supported the previous film that we are able to bring you a new installment. I'm truly grateful."
He also spoke about the responsibility he feels toward the beloved original work: "Once again, we are entrusted with Tsukasa Hojo's beloved original work, as well as the story cherished by fans around the world. With that responsibility in mind, I am approaching the filming with a strong sense of tension and determination."
Looking ahead to the sequel, Suzuki added, "The previous film depicted the origin story between Ryo and Kaori. In this sequel, we're delivering what you might call the City Hunter - the most quintessential version of City Hunter yet," hinting at an even more evolved and definitive chapter in the franchise.
City Hunter 2 premieres exclusively on Netflix worldwide in 2027.
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Quotes
Ryohei Suzuki (Ryo Saeba)
The production of City Hunter 2 has officially been confirmed. It is thanks to everyone who loved and supported the previous film that we are able to bring you this new installment. I'm truly grateful.
Once again, we are entrusted with Tsukasa Hojo's beloved original work, as well as the story cherished by fans around the world. With that responsibility in mind, I am approaching the filming with a strong sense of tension and determination.
The previous film depicted the origin story between Ryo and Kaori. In this sequel, we're delivering what you might call the City Hunter - the most quintessential version of City Hunter yet.
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.
Please look forward to it.
Tsukasa Hojo (Original Author)
I'm truly relieved and delighted to finally be able to officially share this news with everyone.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the set, and 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.
I have no doubt that this will be a fantastic piece of art filled with the passion of everyone involved. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the finished film.
Keiichiro Shiraki (Director)
City Hunter was a series I was completely absorbed in as a boy, through both the manga and anime. Rather than pure excitement, I feel the immense pressure and challenge of taking on such a legendary work.
How can we bring the world of the original to life in the Reiwa era without losing what makes it special? It truly feels like trying to thread a needle. Together with Ryohei Suzuki - who is a bundle of pure love for the original work - we've been holding daily meetings at a family restaurant somewhere in Tokyo.
Our passionate team is steadily bringing our ideas and vision to life.
Please look forward to the Netflix Film City Hunter 2!
Shinichi Takahashi (Executive Producer)
City Hunter is coming back! Following the tremendous response to the previous film, we are truly delighted to bring you the first-ever sequel to a Netflix film from Japan.
Filming is already underway, and with deep respect for Tsukasa Hojo's iconic original work, Ryohei Suzuki, Misato Morita, and the entire cast, along with the director and crew, are bringing this new installment to life with an even greater level of passion than before. I can hardly contain my excitement to see Ryo, Kaori, and the others once again racing through the streets of Shinjuku in their signature 'cool yet goofy' style.
We promise an exhilarating entertainment experience not only for longtime fans, but also for those discovering City Hunter for the first time. Cooler than ever, goofier than ever, and more emotional than ever - City Hunter 2 is on its way. Please look forward to it!
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About City Hunter 2:
Based on the manga "City Hunter" by Tsukasa Hojo
Cast: Ryohei Suzuki, Misato Morita, Fumino Kimura
Director: Keiichiro Shiraki
Producers: Misato Kono, Miyoshi Kikuchi, Tomoo Tsuchii, Shinya Miyazaki
Screenplay: Jumpei Yamaoka
Produced by: Netflix
Production: HoriPro Inc.
Production Company: Film-makers Inc.
Courtesy of Coamix
(C)Tsukasa Hojo/Coamix 1985
Netflix Title Page: https://www.netflix.com/cityhunter2
Hashtag: #CityHunterNetflix #CityHunter2
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