Takashi Miike To Direct “Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo” With Shun Oguri, Lily James, And Liv Morgan

May 01, 2025: Neon is set to begin production in May on Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo, a reimagining of the iconic IP, helmed by celebrated Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike (Audition, 13 Assassins). The thriller stars Shun Oguri (Godzilla vs. Kong), Lily James (Pam and Tommy), and WWE star Liv Morgan (Gionna Daddio).

The U.S.-Japan co-production will follow a morally bankrupt Tokyo police officer (Oguri) with a gambling addiction who becomes entangled in a high-stakes investigation when a mysterious FBI agent (James) arrives to probe the disappearance of a politician’s daughter (Morgan). As their search deepens, they are shadowed by a deranged killer rooted in the yakuza underworld.

The screenplay is penned by Daisuke Tengan (Audition, 13 Assassins) and is based on the original concept first produced by Edward R. Pressman. Miike promised a no-holds-barred approach:

“A team of incredibly talented actors and crew has gathered in Tokyo. I’m about to throw a fastball straight down the middle of your strike zone — no tricks, no gimmicks. Get ready for the ride with us.”

Producers include:

• Jeremy Thomas (Recorded Picture Company)
• Sam Pressman (Pressman Film)
• Naoaki Kitajima (Nippon TV)
• Misako Saka (OLM)

Executive producers: Tom Quinn, Yuzo Kuwahara, Tetsu Fujimura, Paula Paizes, Alainée Kent, Peter Watson, Ivan Kelava, Max Loeb, and Mike Apgar. The deal was negotiated by Sarah Colvin (Neon), Paula Paizes (Pressman Film), and Ivan Kelava (Recorded Picture Company).

Producer Jeremy Thomas said,

“We’re all delighted to reinterpret this iconic IP with a master filmmaker like Takashi Miike… It’s a fertile place to create and distribute films.”

Neon enters the project riding high from its award-season triumph with Sean Baker’s Anora, which won five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director.