Joel Torre joins Lee Joon-gi, co-stars at ‘kiDnap GAME’ Japan premiere

Acclaimed Filipino actor Joel Torre recently joined his “kiDnap GAME” co-stars in Japan for the series’ premiere night, ahead of its October 6 release on Viu.

The TV and film veteran shared photos from the event on social media, including snaps with his fellow cast members.

“Kidnap Game Premiere Night! Kentaro Sakaguchi and Lee Joon-gi are the main leads!!” Torre wrote.

In a separate post, the award-winning actor invited fans to watch the series on Viu while highlighting the scale of the production.

“‘KIDNAP GAME’ streaming on VIU starting Oct 6 at 8:00pm. A Seven Asian Countries Production. Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, Bangkok, Taiwan, Singapore and Hongkong!!” he wrote.

In the series, Torre, 65, plays Miguel, a friendly and hardworking taxi driver who grew up in poverty, determined to build a better life for his family. His world is turned upside down when his beloved grandchild is kidnapped, forcing him to enter a dangerous survival game to save his family.

The crime thriller follows kidnappings happening at the same time across seven Asian cities. The victims’ families receive mysterious emails informing them that they have been entered into a “kidnap game.” 

Each participant is given a specific mission, and they must complete it before the others while their loved ones remain in danger.

The international cast also includes Taiwanese actress Alice Ko, Hong Kong actor Stanley Yau, Singaporean actress Carrie Wong, and Thai actress Praew Narupornkamol Chaisang. The Japanese cast also features Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Yuki Sakurai, Sae Okazaki, Show Kasamatsu, and Machiko Ono.

“kiDnap GAME” is a co-production between Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong, with filming taking place across seven Asian cities: Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, Bangkok, Taipei, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Fuji Television director Hiroaki Kato previously said the production team searched across different regions for actors who best matched the characters. With help from MakerVille in Hong Kong and SimStory in South Korea, they connected with stars from different countries and assembled what Kato described as the ideal cast.

“kiDnap GAME” will begin streaming on Viu on October 6.

Meanwhile, Torre’s other series, “A Secret in Prague,” recently wrapped up its run on October 2.