City Hunter 2: Netflix Sequel Confirmed for 2027

Netflix is gearing up for a major sequel in 2027, continuing its push into live-action manga and anime adaptations. The streaming giant has officially greenlit City Hunter 2, bringing Japanese star Ryohei Suzuki back to reprise his role as the iconic Ryo Saeba.

A Successful First Run

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, City Hunter 2 will launch globally in 2027. The sequel follows the success of the first live-action City Hunter, released in 2024. The initial film quickly rose to the top of Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for non-English films, as well reaching the top 10 in 32 countries, including Japan, France, South Korea, and Brazil.

Expanding the World of City Hunter

City Hunter 2 aims to further explore and elevate the world established by Tsukasa Hojo’s original manga. The story will center on Ryo Saeba, the “cool yet goofy” private investigator operating in the shadows of Tokyo, as he takes on a new, dangerous mission. A captivating femme fatale is expected to complicate matters, staying true to the spirit of the original series.

“It’s thanks to everyone who loved and supported the previous film that we are able to bring you this new installment. I’m truly grateful,” Suzuki shared in a statement celebrating the sequel’s order.

Director Keiichiro Shiraki, who helmed the first film, returns for City Hunter 2, working from a screenplay by Junpei Yamaoka. The film is produced by HoriPro Inc. And Film-makers Inc. For Netflix, with producers Kono Misato, Kikuchi Miyoshi, Tsuchii Tomoo and Miyazaki Shinya.

Creator’s Enthusiasm

Tsukasa Hojo, the creator of the City Hunter manga, also expressed his excitement about the sequel. “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.”

Netflix’s Investment in Japanese Content

The production of City Hunter 2 highlights Netflix’s growing investment in Japanese-language content. The streamer has ordered a number of adaptations based on popular manga series, including Yu Yu Hakusho, Mob Psycho 100, and Bleach. The success of the first City Hunter film, which sparked a ninefold surge in sales of Hojo’s original manga, demonstrates the potential of this strategy.

According to Netflix, the initial film’s location shooting at industrial heritage sites around Kobe generated approximately JPY129 million ($811,000) in local economic activity.

Key Cast Returning

Ryohei Suzuki will once again star as Ryo Saeba, with Misato Morita reprising her role as his indispensable partner, Kaori Makimura. Fumino Kimura also returns as the sharp-tongued detective Saeko Nogami.