Japanese and Korean Hit-Makers Morii Akira and JQ Lee Join Forces for Superhero Series
Leading Japanese TV producer Morii Akira and South Korea’s J.Q. Lee are joining forces to create an action-driven series built around a protagonist with special powers.
More from Variety
The pair are both currently riding high, developing or producing additional seasons for their recent hit shows. Morii is currently working on a third season of Netflix original, dystopian series “Alice in Borderland.” Lee is working on Season 2 of Korean hit “All of Us Are Dead.”
The untitled new series is pitched as “an action-packed spectacular drama, featuring a protagonist with unique abilities never before seen in movies or Japanese comics [and] promising an unprecedented viewing experience,” the pair said.
A long-form story arc is being completed before being fleshed out into episodic storylines. Shooting, production schedules and cast details will be announced in the future.
“We cannot disclose specific details at this time, but I can say that this project will feature an ingenious and unheard-of storyline. We can’t wait to share it with the world as soon as possible,” Morii said.
“By working together, we can create a piece that resonates with people worldwide, not only in Korea and Japan,” said Lee.
The project is set up through their respective companies: The Seven, a subsidiary of Tokyo Broadcasting System, in Japan, where Morii is chief content officer; and Film Monster, a Korean production label under the SLL banner. The Seven and SLL Japan previously signed a collaboration agreement in 2022.
Morii has enjoyed success in film and TV since 1995, with movie credits including “Maborosi,” and hits “Kids Retur” in 1996 and “Blood and Bones” in 2004. At Robot Communications, from 2009, he produced International Emmy-nominated “Mozu.” After launching his own company Plus One Entertainment, Morii produced “Zom100: Bucket List of the Dead” and “Yu Yu Hakusho,” which last year became a hit for Netflix.
Lee debuted as a director, before latterly adding production credits. He directed MBC drama “Damo” in 2003, “Beethoven Virus” in 2008 and the stage play “The Last Blossom.” He launched film and TV company Film Monster in 2015 and has movie credits including “Intimate Strangers.” In addition to “All of Us Are Dead,” he directed Netflix series “Daily Dose of Sunshine,” produced the drama series “Trap” and created “Pyramid Game.”
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
