John Wick Creator Chad Stahelski Unleashes First Trailer for Karoshi, a Gripping New Action Thriller

Polygon · 2026-11-06
John Wick Creator Chad Stahelski Unleashes First Trailer for Karoshi, a Gripping New Action Thriller

Chad Stahelski, the visionary director behind the blockbuster John Wick franchise, has unveiled the first official trailer for his upcoming action thriller Karoshi. The film, slated for a 2027 release, marks Stahelski's highly anticipated return to the genre that made him a household name. The trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into a high-octane world of relentless action and intricate choreography, promising the same visceral intensity that defined John Wick. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the title Karoshi—a Japanese term meaning 'death by overwork'—hints at a narrative steeped in exhaustion, desperation, and perhaps corporate or societal pressure. Stahelski's signature style of long-take fight sequences and practical stunts is expected to be front and center, raising the bar for action cinema once again. Fans of the genre are already buzzing about how this new project will compare to his previous work. The involvement of Stahelski alone is a major draw, given his track record of reinventing the action genre with the John Wick series, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Karoshi is poised to attract both loyal fans and new audiences eager for a fresh, adrenaline-fueled story. With production underway and a 2027 release date set, anticipation will only build from here. For action movie enthusiasts, Karoshi is shaping up to be a must-watch event—one that could redefine the genre once more.