Tazza Film Series Concludes with Fourth Installment After 20 Years
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The 'Tazza' film series, based on a popular Korean comic, will conclude with its fourth installment, 'Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub,' in 2026.
- Over its 20-year run, the series has featured prominent actors like Cho Seung-woo, T.O.P, and Park Jung-min in lead roles, each bringing a unique interpretation to the central gambler character.
- The upcoming film will star Byun Yo-han as Jang Tae-young, a character who experiences betrayal and seeks revenge in the global gambling world.
The 'Tazza' film franchise, a cinematic adaptation of Huh Young-man's renowned comic series, is set to conclude its 20-year run with a fourth installment, 'Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub,' slated for release in 2026.
The series has consistently attracted top directorial talent, with directors like Choi Dong-hoon and Kang Hyeong-cheol helming previous installments, achieving considerable success. Central to the 'Tazza' films' appeal is the protagonist, a gambler whose charisma and depth are crucial for audience engagement. This role demands a presence that can stand out among a cast of strong characters while drawing viewers into the narrative.
Cho Seung-woo originated the role of Goni in the first film (2006), portraying a character who becomes a master gambler after losing everything. His performance was lauded for capturing Goni's dual nature: a seemingly pure and human individual driven by reckless ambition. Cho's ability to maintain his presence alongside seasoned actors like Baek Yoon-sik and Kim Hye-soo was particularly noted.
The second film, 'Tazza: The Hand of God' (2014), starred T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) as Dae-gil, Goni's nephew. Dae-gil shares his uncle's talent and competitive spirit but faces ruin, later finding guidance from Go Gwang-ryeol. T.O.P's casting was seen as a bold move, but his portrayal of the hot-headed Dae-gil garnered positive reviews.
Park Jung-min took on the lead in the third film, 'Tazza: One Eyed Jack' (2019), as Il-chul, the son of a legendary gambler. Il-chul, a more intellectual gambler, navigates his father's legacy and forms a team to achieve success. Park's performance was praised for differentiating Il-chul from previous protagonists, emphasizing his more grounded and relatable aspects.
For the final film, 'Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub,' Byun Yo-han will play Jang Tae-young. The story follows Jang Tae-young's rise in the online casino business, his subsequent betrayal by a close friend of the same name, and his quest for revenge in the high-stakes world of global gambling. Byun is expected to deliver a wide-ranging performance, portraying Jang Tae-young's journey through hardship and his pursuit of retribution.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.