Yeon Sang-ho is set to revisit the “Parasyte” universe with “Parasyte: Tamiya,” a new live-action series featuring Shioli Kutsuna, which will premiere on Netflix in 2027.
This project represents another joint effort between Netflix and Yeon, known for “Hellbound” and “Parasyte: The Grey.” Yeon developed and co-wrote “Parasyte: Tamiya” with Ryu Yong-jae. The production is being handled by Wowpoint, the company responsible for Yeon’s “Human Vapor” and “Parasyte: The Grey.” Directing responsibilities are shared by Kakimoto Kensaku, known for “Glass Heart,” and Nakagawa Kazuhiro, noted for “Double” and “Bullet Train Explosion.”
Following its 2024 release, “Parasyte: The Grey” enjoyed a four-week stay on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV list and achieved the No. 1 spot in 34 countries.
In the original manga, the character Ryoko Tamiya is a parasite that inhabits the body of a high school teacher. Initially violent and indiscriminate, the parasite gradually learns from its human environment. Observing the coexistence of a parasite and human in one body, Ryoko begins to consider whether peaceful coexistence could be more beneficial for her species than conflict. “Parasyte: Tamiya” explores this narrative through her eyes, focusing on the original human, the parasite inhabiting her, and the creature caught between the two worlds.
Shioli Kutsuna, known for “Sanctuary,” “Deadpool 2,” and “Gundam,” portrays Ryoko Tamiya in three forms: the original human, the parasite after taking control, and the parasite as it interacts with humanity.
Yeon remarked, “Her struggles over the nature of her own existence are what elevate the original ‘Parasyte’ from a simple hero-based manga aimed at kids to something deeper. I think the anguish she experiences is the essence of ‘Parasyte.’”
When discussing the choice of lead, Yeon commented, “I’m sure that was a big challenge for Kutsuna as an actor. I think she did a wonderful job of portraying the process of a non-human creature coming to understand both humanity and its own existence.”
On selecting the directors, Yeon stated, “I chose these two directors precisely because they have such different styles, and I had high hopes for a collaboration between them.”
Kutsuna shared her thoughts on the role, saying, “Ryoko Tamiya is the most challenging role I have ever played in my acting career. This series was brought to life through the dedication of the entire cast and crew, who supported one another through every challenge along the way.”
Netflix Japan’s Sato Yoshihiro, manager of live action creative, noted, “‘What makes a human?’ ‘Can we coexist with beings that are different from us?’ These questions posed by ‘Parasyte’ more than 30 years ago feel much more pressing for our modern society that has placed non-sentient AI at all of our fingertips.”
The “Parasyte” manga, created by Hitoshi Iwaaki and published by Kodansha, has been previously adapted into a film series, an anime, and the Korean drama “Parasyte: The Grey.”
