An Emmy-nominatedShogunstar joins Cynthia Erivo’s new action thriller,Karoshi. Renowned for her performances on both the stage and screen, Erivo made her Broadway debut in the revival ofThe Color Purple, which won her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.Erivo expanded to moviesin 2018 with the crime thrillersWidowsandBad Times at the El Royale, but it was for playing the titular character in 2019’sHarrietand Elphaba inWickedthat both earned her Academy Award nominations for Best Actress.
Now, Cynthia Erivo’s new action thriller has added another star. According toThe Hollywood Reporter,ShogunstarTakehiro Hira has joined the cast ofKaroshi. Teo Yoo, known for his breakout role in A24’s romantic dramaPast Lives, is leading the cast of the film, which also features1923star Isabel May. Production is set to begin in June.
What Takehiro Hira’s Casting Means For Karoshi
Has The Film Found Its Villain?
Plot and character details remain under wraps forKaroshi, though it’s being described as a “corporate thriller with a samurai twist.” It’s set in an alternate Japanese-inspired version of New York City and features a revenge story. The title, “karoshi,” is a Japanese term that refers to sudden death caused by extreme overwork. Takehiro Hira earned an Emmy nomination for his performance as Japanese warlord Ishido Kazunari, one of themain antagonists inShogun, soit’s fitting that sources say Hira is playing a villain inKaroshi.
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Takashi Doscher, who was behind the 2019 post-apocalyptic romance movieOnly, wrote the script and is directingKaroshi.The unique action thriller also boasts an impressive lineup of producers. Chad Stahelski, the director of theJohn Wickfranchise, is producing alongside Alex Young and Jason Spitz under their 87Eleven Entertainment banner, which has a first-look deal with Lionsgate.
Our Take On Karoshi
Could It Be The Next John Wick?
With its star-studded cast and Chad Stahelski’s involvement as producer,Karoshihas all the makings of the next standout action thriller. Stahelski is known for shapingJohn Wickinto a global phenomenon, and will bring his unmatched expertise to the unique, samurai-inspired story. With captivating performances from a talented ensemble and exciting samurai-style action,Karoshihas the potential to launch a new action franchise that could captivate audiences for years.
Karoshiis also anticipated as one of Cynthia Erivo’s next roles after her Oscar-nominated performance inWicked, with part two,Wicked: For Good, releasing this November. However,Karoshiwill feature a very different type of performance from Erivo, allowing her to showcase her physicality in a samurai-inspired storyline and proving her unmatched versatility once again.
