BLACKPINK’s Lisa to make film debut alongside Ma Dong-seok, says starring in an action movie ‘has long been my dream’
From left, Ma Dong-seok, Lisa and Lee Jin-wook / Courtesy of Netflix
Netflix announced on Friday that it will produce “Tygo,” a new action film set in the same universe as the “Extraction” series, the dynamic action films originally starring Chris Hemsworth. The new entry to the series will star Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, Lee Jin-wook and Lisa of BLACKPINK.
“Tygo” follows the titular mercenary, a war orphan who embarks on a life-or-death rescue mission after his closest companion, Lia, is kidnapped by a crime syndicate. The movie will introduce Tygo, his allies and the criminal group that threatens them, expanding the shared universe established by the “Extraction” franchise.
Ma will play the lead role, a character shaped by life in conflict zones. Ma has established himself in Korean and Hollywood cinema through roles in the “The Outlaws” action series and his Marvel debut in “Eternals,” as well as through his work as a producer.
Lee Jin-wook, known for Netflix’s “Squid Game” and the “Sweet Home” series, will play Armand Choi, the leader of the criminal organization that confronts Tygo.
Lisa will play Lia, Tygo's longtime friend and a key member of his mission team. Lia is depicted as someone who shared a perilous childhood with Tygo. Lisa, who delivered a notable performance in the third season of “The White Lotus,” will make her Korean screen debut with the film and take on her first action role.
The film will be directed by Lee Sang-yong, who worked on the second and third season of “The Outlaws” with legendary action choreographer Heo Myung-haeng. Heo is known for crafting some of the most iconic action sequences in Korean cinema.
Ma said he is thrilled to begin work on a project that he has been preparing for years with production company AGBO. “Tygo’ will add a uniquely Korean flavor to the global universe of ‘Extraction,” he said, adding that he looks forward to sharing the film’s explosive energy with viewers around the world.
Lee said, “As a fan of the ‘Extraction’ series, joining its universe is a great honor. I am especially excited and grateful to work with Ma Dong-seok and Lisa, whom I admire. I will do my best to deliver a strong performance.”
Lisa said that it is truly an honor to take part in the project and that she is grateful for the opportunity to work with outstanding actors. She added that starring in an action film has long been her dream.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.