Japan in 1878 sets the stage for Last Samurai Standing, the most ambitious historical production Netflix Japan has ever created. In a time when the samurai class has been abolished and swords are banned, 292 former warriors are challenged to a ruthless tournament. The winner receives a significant cash prize and the chance to regain lost honor.

The lead role is played by Okada Junichi, who also produces and choreographs the action scenes. "As an actor you think about emotion, as a producer about money and schedules, it requires two totally different mindsets," he says. Yet he was immediately convinced when he read the script. His character, Shujiro Saga, a notorious hitman, participates in the deadly game of Kodoku to save his sick family. The opening scene, filmed at the Tenryu-ji temple in Kyoto, showcases a nocturnal battle between hundreds of samurai, entirely without digital effects.

Tradition Through Innovation

The series is based on the award-winning book Ikusagami by Imamura Shogo and is directed by Fujii Michihito, with whom Okada previously collaborated on Hard Days. Fujii aims to reinvent the genre: "Tradition survives through innovation. We wanted to translate the soul and aesthetics of Japan's past into something that can resonate globally." According to Okada, the strength of Last Samurai Standing lies in balancing historical authenticity and modern storytelling.

The production taps into universal themes such as honor, survival, and change. "Why should costume dramas be only for the elderly? Okada wonders. "We wanted to tell a human story that connects the past and present."

Cast

The cast includes Ito Hideaki, Ninomiya Kazunari, Yoshioka Riho, Kiyohara Kaya, and Fujisaki Yumia. Hiroshi Abe plays the mysterious Gentosai Okabe, a menacing warrior with an unpredictable role in the bloody game.



Last Samurai Standing will be available worldwide on Netflix on November 13.

Filmmaker Mike Flanagan has confirmed that filming for his new TV series, an adaptation of Stephen King's debut novel Carrie, has wrapped. This series marks Flanagan's first project for Amazon after a long collaboration with Netflix.

Flanagan shared a photo on Instagram of a blood-splattered director's chair with his name on it. He captioned it: "Our last shooting day on Carrie."

A Personal Highlight
Flanagan describes the project as one of the best experiences of his career. "One of the best ensembles I’ve ever worked with, and already one of my favorite projects. I can’t wait for you to see what we’ve created!" he expressed enthusiastically.

The series is an eight-episode limited series in which Flanagan serves as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. He also directs some episodes himself. The storyline is a modern retelling of the tragic story of Carrie White.

Strong Cast with Familiar Faces
The cast features a mix of old Flanagan associates and new names. Among them are Rahul Kohli, Katee Sackhoff, Kate Siegel, Michael Trucco, Crystal Balint, and Danielle Klaudt returning. Summer Howell plays the lead role of Carrie, with Samantha Sloyan as her mother.

Mike Flanagan has wrapped filming on his ‘CARRIE’ TV series.

Releasing soon on Prime Video. pic.twitter.com/89LwcjCZxa

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 25, 2025

Also appearing are Delainey Hayles, Heather Graham, Matthew Lillard, Amber Midthunder, Alison Thornton, Thalia Dudek, Siena Agudong, Josie Totah, and Arthur Conti. Newcomer Rowan Danielle makes her debut in the series.

A New Phase for Carrie
The series follows Carrie White, an outsider growing up in isolation under the strict supervision of her religious mother. After the sudden death of her father, she must adjust to life at a public high school.

Carrie faces bullying, social exclusion, and a scandal that turns her community upside down. At the same time, she discovers that she possesses mysterious telekinetic powers that will change her life forever.

Dan Trachtenberg's Predator: Badlands recently premiered in the United Kingdom. As usual, the first reactions on social media followed, and they are quite positive.

Much praise has been directed at the performances, direction, and new elements (which sometimes work and sometimes do not) that the sequel attempts to put its own spin on the franchise instead of nostalgically copying the original.

Read Some Reactions Below

Empire: "Predator: Badlands is damn incredible. Inventive action, organic comedy, and a story that fully engrossed me. Dan Trachtenberg continues to find all the right buttons with this franchise. Impressive".

AVP Galaxy: "Absolutely a 'Dark Horse' adaptation. Fans will have a lot of fun. It leans heavily on the adventure/fantasy side and truly showcases the genre-crossing/flexible Predator. I loved the dynamic between Dek & Thia, and they look amazing. However, I don't think P1/P2 purists will be thrilled".

Dexerto: "A cosmic buddy road movie, and it's all fantastic, without filler. Trachtenberg cleverly maneuvers the franchise to a larger scale than mere survival horror. It may not be traditionally bloody, but I thoroughly enjoyed it".

Nexus Point News: "Trachtenberg makes bold moves, sometimes leaning too heavily on the family-friendly aspect, but overall delivers a film that not only builds on the Yautja mythology but also offers excellent fight choreography and performances".

PopTernative: "An action-packed ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's an action-adventure for a 'found family' wrapped in that classic brutality. Trachtenberg continues to make the universe engaging with confidence, while Fanning charms (and scares!)".

Film Hounds Magazine: "Trachtenberg delivers even more thrilling action in this world, although this may be his weakest work in the franchise so far. It is, however, the most action-packed; some scenes are as brutal as you’d expect, while others lean more on the comedic aspect woven in. It's an interesting angle, one that doesn't always work. But what is good is genuinely GREAT!".

The Future of the Force: "An epic spectacle that takes us on a deep dive into the Yautja mythology. More science fiction than a traditional 'Predator' title, it makes some bold moves that don't always hit. Despite the daring approach, fans may be disappointed".

In Theaters This November

The story takes place in the future on a deadly, remote planet and follows a young Predator outcast (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) who finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Elle Fanning) as he embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate opponent.