Image: Netflix
By Jon Donnis
Netflix is expanding its Parasyte universe once again with Parasyte: TAMIYA, a new live action series arriving worldwide in 2027. Following the success of Parasyte: The Grey, the latest instalment moves away from introducing a new conflict and instead explores the perspective of Ryoko Tamiya, a parasite whose understanding of humanity changes over time.
Shioli Kutsuna will star as Tamiya, portraying the character across three different stages of her existence. The series will explore her journey from the original human whose body is taken over, through her early identity as a violent parasite, to a figure who begins questioning whether humans and parasites can exist together.
That shift in perspective places one of Parasyte’s central ideas at the heart of the new series. Rather than focusing only on the battle between two opposing species, Parasyte: TAMIYA examines the possibility that survival may depend on understanding the enemy. Through Tamiya’s eyes, the story explores questions around identity, adaptation and what separates humans from the creatures that imitate them.
The character has a significant history in the original manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki, which was published by Kodansha from 1988 to 1995. After taking over the body of a high school teacher, Tamiya initially behaves like the other parasites, viewing humans as little more than targets. However, her experiences, including observing Shinichi Izumi and Migi, lead her to reconsider the future of her species and whether coexistence could be possible.
The original Parasyte manga has remained popular for more than three decades, selling around 25 million copies across more than 20 countries and regions. Its combination of horror, science fiction and philosophical themes has helped it remain influential, leading to anime adaptations and live action films that have introduced the story to new generations.
Netflix’s previous expansion of the franchise, Parasyte: The Grey, created a new story set in modern day Korea while drawing inspiration from the original manga. The series became a global success after its 2024 release, spending four weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English Shows list and reaching number one in 34 countries.
Parasyte: TAMIYA reunites many of the creative figures behind Parasyte: The Grey and Human Vapor. Yeon Sang-ho developed the series and wrote the script alongside Ryu Yong-jae, while WOWPOINT returns for development and production. Kensaku Kakimoto and Kazuhiro Nakagawa will direct the series.
Yeon Sang-ho has praised Shioli Kutsuna’s performance in the role, highlighting her ability to portray the gradual transformation of a character who begins as something non-human but slowly develops an understanding of humanity and her own existence.
With Ryoko Tamiya taking centre stage, Parasyte: TAMIYA offers a different viewpoint on the conflict that has defined the franchise for decades. The series will stream worldwide exclusively on Netflix in 2027.
No comments:
Post a Comment