Since embarking on an unstoppable quest for revenge after the death of his dog back in 2014,John Wickhas become the modernactionhero that all others are compared to. While several new tales of revenge have since been released and likened to Keanu Reeves’ enigmatic assassin,Netflix’s new action thriller series may be the first to really live up to the iconic Baba Yaga and his acclaimed methods of violent retribution.
Now streaming on the popular platform,Mercy for Nonefollows a former gangster who, after being injured in the line of criminal duty, leaves the violence behind. That is until, 11 years later, his brother is mysteriously killed, forcing him to once again pick up his most trusted weapon, a baseball bat, and swing a bloody and brutal path of revenge to uncover the truth. Yes, you’re right, that does sound utterly perfect.
‘John Wick’ Stars Reunite in New Action Thriller That Could Just Be Your Favorite of the Year
Early reactions to Scott Adkins and Marko Zaror’s 2025 action outing heap praise on the martial arts prowess on display.
Based on the webtoonPlaza Wars: Mercy for Noneby O Se-hyung and Kim Gyun-tae,the South Korean limited serieswas written by Yoo Ki-seong, directed by Choi Sung-eun, and finds So Ji-sub (Alienoid) as Nam Gi-jun, the former top enforcer of Seoul’s underworld who returns to wreak havoc. The rest of the cast includes Lee Jun-hyuk (Stranger), Huh Joon-ho (Escape from Mogadishu), An Kil-kang (Watcher), Gong Myoung (Extreme Job), Choo Young-woo (The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call), Cha Seung-won (Uprising), and Cho Han-cheul (Gyeongseong Creature).
‘Mercy for None’ Hailed as One of the Best Action Offerings on Netflix Right Now
Mercy for Nonehas now cracked the Top 10 on Netflix in the United Kingdom and is sure to spark more successes as word of mouth continues. The few reviews for the series that have emerged heap praise on therevenge action outing, with Collider’s Jeff Ewing likeningMercy of Noneto the adventures of Mr. Wick before praising So Ji-sub’s lead performance.
“So Ji-seob is great as the grieving but deadly protagonist, while supporting players give personality to sometimes underdeveloped characters. It’s a simple series that knows exactly what it is–an exploration of how breakable bodies are — and on that score, it delivers in continually entertaining ways. Bones crack, bodies fly, and blood stains the walls of many villains' hideaways.”
The Week’s Sajin Shrijith, meanwhile, declaresMercy for Noneas the “best Korean action thriller series on Netflix right now,” and once again praises So Ji-sub who “dominates every episode of the show where he goes about dispatching opponents inthe most brutal and spectacular fashion.”
“Mercy for None is one of those shows that offers a thrill-a-minute experience, with dollops of cathartic violence and the most brutal, satisfying bloodbaths that we have come to expect from Korean filmmakers. It has everything that hardcore fans of Korean action thrillers seek.”
While theJohn Wickfranchise continues to growwith all manner of upcoming spin-offs (and a sequel, if they can work out how to bring Baba Yaga back from the dead), action fans are constantly looking for that Wick fix. Well, withMercy for None, it seems we have finally found it.
