The upcoming Netflix original series Mousetrap is currently in post-production, with industry reports pointing toward a potential Q3 2026 release window. The thriller, which explores themes of identity theft and digital security, stars Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu in lead roles. While Netflix has not yet confirmed an exact premiere date, production timelines indicate that filming concluded in late 2025.
Directed by Kim Hong-seon, Mousetrap is adapted from the Kakao Webtoon Field Mouse, originally authored by Ludvico. The narrative centers on a reclusive writer named Moon-jae, whose life is upended when a mysterious figure known as “Rat” assumes his identity, effectively stealing his name, fortune, and professional history. To reclaim his life, the protagonist enters a high-stakes alliance with a loan shark and a private detective.
Cast and Character Dynamics
The series features a prominent pairing of South Korean actors, Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu. Ryu Jun-yeol, known for his performances in The 8 Show and Reply 1988, portrays the central character, Je Mun-jae. His character is depicted as a novelist struggling with social phobia who is thrust into a desperate pursuit to verify his own existence after being digitally erased.
Sul Kyung-gu, whose extensive filmography includes The Whirlwind and Kill Boksoon, plays the role of No Ja. The character is a loan shark who becomes an unlikely partner to the writer. According to early production summaries, the tension between the two—a reclusive writer and a ruthless debt collector—forms the core of the show’s narrative arc. The supporting cast includes Lee Chae-yu, Kang Myoung-soo, and Lee Myung-hee, though the primary focus remains on the developing dynamic between the two leads.
Production Background and Development
The production of Mousetrap has been managed by H House, C-JeS Studios, and Kakao Entertainment. Filming for the series spanned from mid-April 2025 through November 2025. Following the completion of principal photography, the project entered the post-production phase, which involves final editing and sound design under the supervision of composer Kim Tae-seong and screenwriter Lee Jae-gon.
The series is classified as a thriller, with reports suggesting a TV-MA rating due to themes of violence and profanity. As a Netflix original, the series will be distributed exclusively through the streaming platform. Viewers are advised to monitor the official Netflix “Coming Soon” interface for the final release date, as current information remains subject to change based on the platform’s global scheduling.
Status of Promotional Media
As of early 2026, an official full-length trailer for Mousetrap has not been released. While various fan-made edits have appeared on platforms such as YouTube, these are not authorized by the production studio. A brief, ten-second teaser—primarily showcasing a physical confrontation—was previously circulated via social media channels. Prospective viewers should rely on the official Netflix YouTube channel for verified promotional content, as the platform typically releases trailers in the weeks leading up to a premiere.
Key Production Details
- Director: Kim Hong-seon
- Screenwriter: Lee Jae-gon
- Primary Cast: Ryu Jun-yeol, Sul Kyung-gu
- Production Companies: H House, C-JeS Studios, Kakao Entertainment
- Expected Release: Q3 2026 (July–September)
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The series, which draws inspiration from the 2017–2020 webtoon Field Mouse, is expected to prioritize psychological tension over romantic subplots. By focusing on the vulnerability of personal security in a digital age, the show aligns with other recent webtoon-based dramas that emphasize high-stakes conflict. Further updates regarding the specific premiere date will be confirmed by Netflix closer to the launch period.