▲ This combination of images provided by Netflix shows a still from the upcoming sci-fi thriller series "Parasyte: Tamiya" (L) alongside artwork from the original manga. Courtesy of Netflix and Hitoshi Iwaaki/Kodansha. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho will return to the world of "Parasyte" with a new live-action series produced in collaboration with Netflix Japan, the streaming platform said Thursday.

Netflix said the new Japanese series, "Parasyte: Tamiya," created by Yeon, is slated for release next year.

"Parasyte" is based on the hit manga by Japanese author Hitoshi Iwaaki, serialized from 1988 to 1995. The story, about parasitic creatures that inhabit human hosts, has inspired numerous adaptations, including films and anime.

After directing the 2024 Netflix spinoff "Parasyte: The Grey," Yeon is returning with another installment in the franchise.

The new series tells the story from the perspective of Ryoko Tamiya, a key antagonist in the original manga who opposes protagonist Shinichi Izumi.

Disguised as a high school teacher, Tamiya is a dangerous parasite who comes to believe that coexistence between parasites and humans is essential for survival.

Japanese actress Shioli Kutsuna, best known for playing Yukio in "Deadpool 2," will star as Ryoko Tamiya.

Yeon created the project and co-wrote the screenplay with Ryu Yong-jae.

The series will be co-directed by Kensaku Kakimoto, who helmed the Japanese Netflix series "Glass Heart," and Kazuhiro Nakagawa, director of the WOWOW drama "Double."

"'Parasyte: Tamiya' is a completely new work that differs from the previous live-action films, the anime and 'Parasyte: The Grey,'" Yeon said. "It combines the distinct styles of the two directors while showing deep respect for the original work."

The project marks Yeon's second collaboration on a Japanese Netflix series following "The Human Vapor," released on July 2.

Based on Ishiro Honda's 1960 tokusatsu film "The Human Vapor," the series was developed for Netflix with Yeon serving as executive producer and screenwriter.

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