Human Vapor
Human Vapor is an upcoming Japanese-South Korean science fiction thriller television series based on the 1960 tokusatsu film The Human Vapor directed by Ishirō Honda. Written by Yeon Sang-ho and Ryu Yong-jae, and directed by Shinzo Katayama, the series stars Shun Oguri and Yu Aoi in their first live-action collaboration in 23 years. It is a co-production between Toho Studios and South Korea's WOWPOINT, marking the first collaboration between Netflix and Toho. The eight-episode limited series is scheduled for release on Netflix in later year of 2026.
Production
Development
The series originated from discussions between Toho producers and Yeon Sang-ho in 2018, during which Yeon selected The Human Vapor from Toho's "Transforming Human Series" for its blend of speculative science and human drama. Yeon, known for global hits like Train to Busan and Netflix's Hellbound, emphasized the original film's "skillful sci-fi expressions" and emotional core, stating: "While it is a sci-fi thriller, at its core, it is a story about people. We focused on treating human emotions with care and portraying the characters’ humanity."Script development took three years, with Ryu Yong-jae—Yeon's collaborator on Parasyte: The Grey —joining as co-writer. Shinzo Katayama, acclaimed for Gannibal, was selected as director for his ability to merge genre elements with intimate storytelling. Katayama, upon revisiting the original, noted: "I was intrigued by its blend of human drama and romantic elements, despite featuring an absurd creature like the Human Vapor."
The project represents Netflix's first partnership with Toho, aiming to revive the studio's tokusatsu legacy for global audiences using cutting-edge VFX. WOWPOINT, the production company behind Parasyte: The Grey, co-produces, infusing Korean expertise in genre storytelling.
Casting
Casting announcements began in August 2024, with Shun Oguri and Yu Aoi confirmed as leads—reuniting after their last live-action project, the 2001 TV movie Ao to Shiro de Mizuiro. Yeon specifically envisioned Aoi for her role, citing her performances in Hana & Alice and Wife of a Spy. Oguri, known internationally for Godzilla vs. Kong, was selected for his star power and versatility.Filming and post-production
Principal photography commenced in September 2024 at Toho's Stage 9 in Tokyo, with additional location shoots in Shizuoka Prefecture from February to April 2025. Filming wrapped in April 2025 after a brief pause in December 2024 due to Aoi getting a high fever, however, she returned to work after being discharged from the hospital. The production incorporated practical effects alongside CGI to modernize the gaseous transformations, drawing from the original's tokusatsu roots.Open casting calls for extras ran through March 2025, offering non-commercial memorabilia as incentives.