One of the most intriguing upcoming action projects from Netflix

has now been given a release window. Gloriously titled Last Samurai Standing, the upcoming series is based on the manga “Ikusagami” by Shogo Imamura and Katsumi Tatsuzawa and centers on 292 warriors who gather at a temple for a battle royale and the allure of a 100-billion-yen prize. And it has now been revealed that this hugely intriguing Squid Game with samurai will land on the streamer in November 2025.
The release window has been revealed as part of Netflix’s International release announcements (via What’s on Netflix), with Last Samurai Standing being just one of several action projects on the horizon for the streaming platform. Led by Jun’ichi Okada (From Up on Poppy Hill, Tales from Earthsea) as our hero, who must survive the slashing of samurai swords to save his wife and child, Last Samurai Standing is set to be directed by Michihito Fujii (Shoutai, 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days). You can check out the official synopsis for the series below.

“Set in the late 19th century during the Meiji period, Last Samurai Standing takes place at the Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto. Come nightfall, 292 skilled warriors gather, lured by the promise of a grand prize of 100 billion yen. Among them is our protagonist, Shujiro Saga (Junichi Okada), who enters this dangerous game with one goal: to save his ailing wife and child.”

‘Last Samurai Standing’ Is One of Several Exciting Action Projects Coming to Netflix in 2025

Lead star Jun’ichi Okada, who is also on board Last Samurai Standing as a producer and action choreographer, is excited to lead the action epic series, recently telling Netflix that he cannot wait to bring “action, drama, social commentary, and entertainment” to international audiences courtesy of the streamer. And we can’t wait to see it.

“When Netflix executive producer Mr. Takahashi reached out to me, I was still acting in historical dramas. Back then, I was already thinking of ways to make this genre a hit, not just in Japan, but all over the world. I saw their potential for action, drama, social commentary, and entertainment, but I knew they could be taken further. That’s when I came across Imamura’s manga. It was written in a way that modern audiences could enjoy, and I was excited about the idea of adapting it.”

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The Best Samurai Movies of the 21st Century, Ranked

Known for their exceptional code of honor and immaculate way of life, the samurai may no longer be around, but their tales of courage still live on.

Following the likes of Rebel Ridge, The Shadow Strays, the martial arts epic Uprising, and more, this year brings such action movie delights as Tom Hardy and The Raid director Gareth Evans’ long-awaited thriller, Havoc, and the equally as long-awaited comic book action sequel The Old Guard 2. First, though, is the revenge action thriller Demon City. Due to land on Netflix on February 27, 2025, Demon City adapts the manga “Oni Goroshi” by Masamichi Kawabe into live-action and follows a former legendary hitman who, after his wife and daughter are seemingly killed, embarks on a bloody (and we mean very bloody) quest for vengeance.

Demon City

Release Date

February 27, 2025

Runtime

106 Minutes

Director

Seiji Tanaka

Writers

Seiji Tanaka