# John Wick director returns with Karōshi

> Chad Stahelski brings dystopian action to near-future Manhattan with a film about corporate death culture.
- Title: John Wick director returns with Karōshi · Ars Technica
- Summary: Chad Stahelski brings dystopian action to near-future Manhattan with a film about corporate death culture.
- Keywords: chad stahelski, karōshi, lionsgate, teo yoo, ikigai technologies, dystopian action film, Ars Technica
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/culture/2026/11/the-folks-behind-john-wick-are-back-with-karoshi-trailer
- Published: 2026-11-06T18:30:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chad stahelski, karōshi, lionsgate, teo yoo, ikigai technologies, dystopian action film, technology, science
## John Wick creator's next film
Chad Stahelski, who created the John Wick franchise, is returning with Karōshi, a new dystopian action film coming early next year.
## The concept behind Karōshi
Karōshi is a Japanese term meaning death from overwork, a real phenomenon in Japan, Asia and Sweden caused by stress-related heart attacks, strokes and suicide.
## The story and cast
Set in near-future Manhattan at a company called Ikigai Technologies, the film stars Teo Yoo as Hiro, who seeks vengeance after a worker's death. The cast includes Takehiro Hira, Giancarlo Esposito and Cynthia Erivo.
## Release date set
Karōshi hits theaters on February 5, 2027, featuring action sequences in the style of John Wick, including Hiro using a paper umbrella to shield himself from blood.
## Key takeaway

Chad Stahelski, creator of John Wick, is releasing Karōshi on February fifth, twenty twenty-seven, a dystopian action film set in a futuristic Manhattan corporate world.