Yeon Sang-ho confirms production of “Parasite: Tamiya” — another major global Japanese IP project

Netflix said it has confirmed production of Netflix’s Japanese series 〈Parasite: Tamiya〉, scheduled to be released in 2027. Director Yeon Sang-ho and the production company Wowpoint (WOWPOINT) are teaming up again to unveil a new 〈Parasite〉 universe.

The story, packed with thrilling developments, a dark world, and rich imagination and philosophical themes, captivated countless fans in the manga 〈Parasite〉 by Iwaaki Hitōshi (published by Kodansha). The franchise has also been produced in both animated and live-action films and has continued to be loved across generations. In 2024, Netflix’s series 〈Parasite: The Grey〉​—a fresh reimagining of modern-day Korea by director Yeon Sang-ho (〈GUNGJE〉, 〈Face〉, 〈Hell〉)—was released worldwide. After its release, the work landed on the Global TOP10 Non-English Series chart for four straight weeks, and it took No. 1 across 34 countries and regions, sparking the “Parasite syndrome” again around the world.

And yet again, the 〈Parasite〉 universe built by director Yeon Sang-ho is expanding. In the original work, Tamiya Ryoko—who stands in opposition to protagonist Izumi Shinichi—is a high school teacher who takes on the appearance of a human and is a dangerous parasite that threatens humanity. Based on his vast knowledge of humans, he had been living as a teacher, but after meeting Shinichi, who coexists with Migi, he begins to wonder whether “coexistence with humankind” might be necessary for a parasite to survive. Netflix’s series 〈Parasite: Tamiya〉​ is an original story told through the eyes of the unique parasite Tamiya Ryoko, who wrestles with the question of “coexistence with humankind.”

For this project, 〈the production teams behind Gas Human〉 and 〈Parasite: The Grey〉 have come together once more. Director Yeon Sang-ho handles planning and the screenplay, with writer Ryu Yong-jae joining as co-screenwriter. In addition, Wowpoint (WOWPOINT), the production company that presented the two works together, will take on planning and production and plans to deliver yet another high-quality project.

Directing is handled by director Kaki Moto Kensaku of 〈Yuri’s Heart〉 and by director Nakagawa Kazuhiro, who directed the 〈Double〉 segment and wrote the screenplay for 〈Shinkansen Daibakushin〉. With director Yeon Sang-ho bringing sharp insights into human nature, director Kaki Moto Kensaku translating music and visuals with a sensitive touch, and director Nakagawa Kazuhiro strengthening the story with tightly built narrative structure and high-intensity action—and with particular strength in VFX direction—three creators with distinct personalities and strengths are meeting, drawing heightened attention.

Kutsuna Shiori plays the lead role of Tamiya Ryoko. In Netflix’s series 〈Rikishi〉, he portrayed a newspaper reporter digging into the underbelly of the sumo world, and in the film 〈Deadpool 2〉, he played the popular character Yukio, leaving a strong impression. He is now also drawing attention for appearing in the first live-action film in the 〈Gundam〉 series, and continues to make his mark on the global stage.

In this work, Kutsuna Shiori depicts not only Tamiya as a person living as human, but also Tamiya as a parasite that threatens humanity—and even Tamiya as he changes into an existence that worries about coexistence with humans—carefully portraying the different sides that coexist within one character. On this, director Yeon Sang-ho said, “Kutsuna Shiori expressed, in an amazingly outstanding performance, the process of a being that is not human ultimately coming to understand the existence of both humans and his own existence,” praising Kutsuna Shiori’s performance.

Director Yeon Sang-ho added, “In the original manga, Tamiya Ryoko is a truly fascinating villain. I wanted to make the original Parasite not just a simple boy-hero story, but a deeper work, and it’s the character who created that depth through ontological concerns.” He continued, “I wanted to portray Tamiya Ryoko, who keeps questioning coexistence between humans and parasites, fails, and eventually comes to realizations. I thought those agonies of Tamiya Ryoko are essentially the essence of Parasite.”

He also said, “This project is a completely different new work from the existing live-action films and animations, as well as from 〈Parasite: The Grey〉.” He added, “With the two directors’ individual styles combined, and with a deep respect for the original work, it’s a project that deserves a lot of anticipation—so please look forward to it.”

Meanwhile, the original 〈Parasite〉 began serialization in 1988 and ended in 1995, but it has remained a beloved classic for more than 30 years. The story goes that one day, a parasitic organism called “Parasite,” which uses humans as hosts to take over the brain and control the body, appears, and ordinary high school student Izumi Shinichi is also attacked by the parasite. But the parasite that tries to take the brain fails and ends up parasitizing his right hand. Shinichi and the parasite, which calls itself “Migi,” begin an unexpected symbiotic relationship. Other parasites disguise themselves as humans, hide throughout society, and start preying on people, and humankind becomes swept up in a fight for survival. Shinichi and Migi also find themselves at the center of a massive battle, and a story unfolds that hinges on the fate of humans and parasites. Released in more than 20 countries and regions worldwide, it has continued to enjoy high popularity to this day, including surpassing 25 million cumulative copies published.