---
title: "\"Karoshi\": Lionsgate unveils teaser for action thriller from John Wick creators about the dark side of corporations"
description: "Lionsgate has released a teaser for the action thriller \"Karoshi\" from the creators of \"John Wick\": a story about a stranger exposing the dark side of a corporation. Premiere in Ukraine is set for February 2027."
date: 2026-11-06T12:52:03.429Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/karoshi-lionsgate-action-thriller-teaser
tags: [karoshi, lionsgate, john-wick, chad-stahelski, action-thriller, film-teaser]
author: "Darya Fomina"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# "Karoshi": Lionsgate unveils teaser for action thriller from John Wick creators about the dark side of corporations

![Asian actor wearing glasses and blue suit in a scene from Karoshi](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/06/karoshi-ekshn-triller-lionsgate-teyzer/karoshi-ekshn-triller-lionsgate-teyzer-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Lionsgate, through Adastra Cinema, has released the teaser for the action thriller "Karoshi".
- Production is led by the creators of the "John Wick" franchise, with Chad Stahelski as producer and Takashi Doscher as director and writer.
- The action takes place in a futuristic Manhattan where corporate culture dictates societal life.
- The lead role is played by Teo Yoo; the film also features Cynthia Erivo, Giancarlo Esposito, Takehiro Hira, Isabel May, Bill Camp, and Sho Kasamatsu.
- The premiere in Ukrainian cinemas is scheduled for February 2027.

Lionsgate, via Adastra Cinema, has released the official teaser for the new action thriller "Karoshi". The film is positioned as a blend of dynamic combat scenes, a futuristic megalopolis atmosphere, and social commentary. The creators of the "John Wick" franchise are behind the production, and Ukrainian audiences will be able to see the film in theaters as early as February 2027, according to WAVE RBC.UA.

### Plot and Setting: The Corporation as a Control System

The events of the film unfold in the near future in Manhattan. In this world, corporate rules and company culture have so deeply permeated society that they dictate practically every aspect of life. Following the mysterious death of an employee, a stranger infiltrates a major corporation. His goal is to expose the hidden mechanisms of a system that hides brutal practices behind external success and a flawless image. This exact story—of turning corporate loyalty into a control tool—forms the core of the script.

### The Concept of "Karoshi": From Japanese Term to Film

The opening frames of the teaser introduce viewers to the title, referencing the Japanese concept of "karoshi"—death from overworked conditions on the job. This theme lies at the heart of the story: behind the facade of a successful corporate world lies the price paid by people subjugated by the system. The creators promise that the social subtext will not overshadow spectacular action, with the film featuring large-scale action sequences incorporating elements of samurai martial arts.

### Director, Writer, and Producer

Takashi Doscher serves as the director and writer of "Karoshi". Chad Stahelski, known for his work on all the main films in the "John Wick" franchise, serves as producer. His team is steering the production, which explains the strong emphasis on fight choreography and the distinct visual style of the action thriller.

### Cast

The lead role in the film is played by Teo Yoo, known for "Past Lives". The ensemble cast also includes Cynthia Erivo ("Wicked"), Giancarlo Esposito, Takehiro Hira ("Shōgun"), Isabel May ("1923"), Bill Camp, and Sho Kasamatsu. Such a lineup emphasizes the international scale of the project and its orientation toward spectacular action with a strong dramatic core.

### Expectations and Premiere

Thus, "Karoshi" is billed as a project at the intersection of a social thriller and blockbuster action: futuristic Manhattan, corporate paranoia, and samurai-inspired fight choreography. The premiere in Ukrainian cinemas is scheduled for February 2027, and the teaser already offers a glimpse into the tone and visual language of the upcoming film.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Самурайские бои и тайны: вышел трейлер зрелищного экшна "Кароси"](https://wave.rbc.ua/ukr/culture/samurayski-boyi-ta-taemnitsi-viyshov-treyler-1793968793.html) - Primary source: announcement of the "Karoshi" teaser, cast, director, producer, setting, and release date in Ukraine (February 2027).

## FAQ

### What is "Karoshi" and what is the movie about?

"Karoshi" is a Lionsgate action thriller about a stranger who, following the mysterious death of an employee, infiltrates a massive corporation to expose its hidden brutal practices. The title refers to the Japanese term "karoshi"—death from overwork.

### Who is the director and producer of the film?

Takashi Doscher serves as the director and writer, while Chad Stahelski, known for the "John Wick" franchise, is the producer.

### Who stars in "Karoshi"?

The lead role is played by Teo Yoo. The cast also features Cynthia Erivo, Giancarlo Esposito, Takehiro Hira, Isabel May, Bill Camp, and Sho Kasamatsu.

### When will the movie be released in Ukraine?

According to WAVE RBC.UA, Ukrainian audiences will be able to see the film in theaters in February 2027.