Yeon Sang-ho returns to the world of “parasites” in Netflix’s new live-action series “Parasite: Tamiya” starring Shiori Kutsuna. It is scheduled to be released in 2027.
The series marks a new collaboration between Netflix and Yong (“Hellbound,” “Parasite: The Grey”). Mr. Yong developed “Parasite: Tamiya” and co-wrote the script with Ryu Young-jae. The film will be produced by Wow Point, the production company behind Yong’s “Human Vapor” and “Parasite: The Grey.” The director is Kensaku Kakimoto of “Glass Heart” and Kazuhiro Nakagawa of “Double” and “Choutokukyu.”
Since its release in 2024, “Parasyte: The Grey” has spent four weeks on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV list, reaching No. 1 in 34 countries.
In the original manga, Ryoko Tamiya is a parasite who has taken over the body of a high school teacher. She is violent and promiscuous at first, but gradually learns from the human environment. When she witnesses parasites and humans sharing one body, she begins to wonder if coexistence might offer a better chance of survival than fighting. Parasyte Tamiya tells the story from her point of view, tracking the original human, the parasites that infest her, and the creatures caught between both worlds.
Kutsuna (“Sanctuary,” “Deadpool 2,” “Gundam”) plays Ryoko Tamiya in three positions: a former human, a parasite after being taken over, and a parasite struggling to interact with humanity.
Director Yeon said, “Her conflict over the essence of her existence elevates the original “Parasyte” from being just a hero comic for children to something deeper.I think the suffering she experiences is the essence of “Parasyte.”
Yeon was also asked about his choice of leads. “I think it was a big challenge for Kutsuna as an actor,” he said. “I think she brilliantly expressed the process by which non-human creatures come to understand humanity and their own existence.”
Regarding the selection of directors, Director Yeon said, “I chose two directors with completely different styles because I had high expectations for their collaboration.”
Kutsuna said, “Ryoko Tamiya is the most challenging role of my acting career.This series was brought to life through the dedication of the entire cast and staff, who supported each other through all obstacles.”
Yoshihiro Sato, live-action creative manager at Netflix Japan, said, “’What are humans?’ “Can we coexist with beings different from ourselves?” These questions posed by “Parasyte” more than 30 years ago feel even more urgent in modern society, where non-sentient AI is placed all around us. ”
The manga “Parasyte” by Hitoshi Iwaaki and published by Kodansha has been adapted into a movie series, anime, and the Korean drama “Parasyte: The Grey.”
