Netflix's 'Mantis' Starring Yim Si-wan Set to Clash with SBS Drama of the Same Name
The Netflix film 'Mantis(사마귀)' featuring actor Yim Si-wan is set to clash with the SBS drama 'Queen Mantis(사마귀),' both sharing the same title. Coincidentally, both projects feature protagonists nicknamed 'Mantis,' who are killers.
On the afternoon of the 25th, a production briefing for the Netflix movie 'Mantis' was held at Lotte Cinema in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by director Lee Tae-sung, along with actors Yim Si-wan, Park Gyu-young, and Jo Woo-jin.
Netflix's 'Mantis' Starring Yim Si-wan Set to Clash with SBS Drama of the Same Name
'Mantis' is an action film depicting the battle for the top spot among an A-list killer 'Mantis' (played by Yim Si-wan), his trainee rival 'Jae-i' (played by Park Gyu-young), and retired legendary killer 'Dok-go' (played by Jo Woo-jin) in a world where all rules of the assassination industry have collapsed. This film is a spin-off sharing the same universe as the Netflix movie 'Kill Boksoon,' released in March 2023.
Director Lee Tae-sung explained, "The title 'Mantis' means 'death demon ghost.' It was mentioned a couple of times in 'Kill Boksoon' as well," adding, "It's a story about young killers living in the next generation after 'Kill Boksoon.'"
Netflix's 'Mantis' Starring Yim Si-wan Set to Clash with SBS Drama of the Same Name
Yim Si-wan shared, "The existence of 'Mantis' was mentioned in the script of 'Kill Boksoon.' Director Byun Sung-hyun contacted me to voice the character, but it didn't materialize. From then on, I was destined to be 'Mantis.' I felt it was fate to participate in the creation of 'Mantis' from the beginning."
He continued, "Though the role may seem villainous or dark, the character is actually warm and stable. Due to his profession, he feels the need to hide this warmth, which leads him to speak more curtly and bluntly."
Netflix's 'Mantis' Starring Yim Si-wan Set to Clash with SBS Drama of the Same Name
Park Gyu-young expressed her excitement, saying, "I was a huge fan of 'Kill Boksoon,' watching it 5-6 times. I wanted to be part of this shared universe, and the opportunity to work with senior actors was rare, so I took it."
She added, "My character has a close relationship with Han-ul from childhood, but due to this closeness, she feels jealousy over abilities she can't possess and experiences complex emotions of disappointment in herself."
Netflix's 'Mantis' Starring Yim Si-wan Set to Clash with SBS Drama of the Same Name
Jo Woo-jin described his character, "Dok-go is a powerful and veteran figure with management skills, capable of maintaining order. I tried to embody this demeanor and consulted the director frequently, agreeing with the costume team to dress as imagined."
He recalled, "I joined right after 'Gangnam B-Side' ended. The training and physique I had then were suitable for 'Dok-go Halbae,' making it easier to portray a strong and charismatic character."
Netflix's 'Mantis' Starring Yim Si-wan Set to Clash with SBS Drama of the Same Name
Yim Si-wan also mentioned the ongoing SBS drama 'Queen Mantis,' saying, "Many asked why I wasn't in the drama. I apologize, but I'm in the movie, not the drama. Unfortunately, Ko Hyun-jung isn't in the movie."
He added, "I watched the drama 'Queen Mantis' and noticed significant differences. Ko Hyun-jung's Mantis is vicious and evil, whereas our Mantis is humane and kind. That's the biggest difference. Even though both involve killing, they are distinctly different."
