In their first-ever collaboration, Netflix and Toho Studios are rebooting the iconic Japan studio’s special effects film “The Human Vapor” (1960) as a live-action series, which will feature a fresh storyline and cutting-edge visual effects technology. The series is produced in association with a global production content company WOW POINT, which garnered global attention with the recent Netflix series “Parasyte: The Grey.”
The series will be executive produced and written by Yeon Sang-ho (“Train to Busan,” “Hellbound,” “Parasyte: The Grey”), co-written by Ryu Yong-jae (“Parasyte: The Grey,” “Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area”), and directed by Shinzo Katayama (“Missing,” “Siblings of the Cape,” “Gannibal”). Leading the cast are Shun Oguri and Yu Aoi, who will reunite on screen for the first time in 23 years, marking an exciting return for fans of the duo.
Originally directed by Ishiro Honda, the visionary behind “Godzilla,” “The Human Vapor” was produced and distributed by Toho, and premiered in 1960. The film became a masterpiece of sci-fi thrillers, renowned for its exploration of power structures and societal oppression. Even more than half a century later, it remains a significant piece of cinema history. The upcoming series will breathe new life into this classic tale, using state-of-the-art VFX and setting the story in modern-day Japan.
Shun Oguri expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying: "I was captivated by the intriguing developments and the human drama that you would never expect from this title. With the extraordinary talents from both Japan and Korea, along with our incredible Japanese cast, I am beyond excited to be part of building this wonderful work step by step."
Yu Aoi also expressed excitement about the project, adding: “I am looking forward to discovering what kind of experience this will be. While striving to deliver this work to everyone, I also want to maintain the spirit of adventure that is unique to our team.”
Yeon Sang-ho, known for his globally acclaimed works, and Shinzo Katayama, who was previously assistant director to Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon-ho, had worked together on the script for a few years.
After staking out a dominant position in the bankable Korean film and TV world, Netflix has spent the past two years attempting to leverage the Japanese industry’s latent live-action entertainment potential. Part of that project has involved bringing the Korean and Japanese creative communities together. Other Korean-Japanese collaborations from the streamer include the upcoming drama “Romantic Anonymous” (working title) and romance “Soul Mate.”