Netflix Announces Parasyte: Tamiya Live-Action Series Starring Shioli Kutsuna for 2027

Netflix has announced Parasyte: TAMIYA, a new live-action series set to premiere globally on the platform in 2027. The series stars Shioli Kutsuna as Ryoko Tamiya and reimagines Hitoshi Iwaaki's classic manga from the perspective of one of its most compelling parasitic characters.

A Fresh Angle on a Beloved Franchise

Rather than retreading the story of protagonist Shinichi Izumi, Parasyte: TAMIYA centers on Ryoko Tamiya, a parasitic being who took over the body of a human teacher. The series explores her journey as she begins to question whether parasites and humans can coexist. Through her role as a teacher, Tamiya learns about humanity and starts to consider whether coexistence might offer her species the best path to survival.

Kutsuna takes on the demanding role by portraying three distinct versions of the character across the series. The actress, known for her roles in Deadpool 2, the live-action Detective Conan films, and Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, called the part the most challenging of her career.

"Ryoko Tamiya is the most challenging role I have ever played in my acting career," Kutsuna stated.

Creative Team Bridges Korean and Japanese Talent

Yeon Sang-ho, the filmmaker behind the 2024 Korean adaptation Parasyte: The Grey, returns as planner and co-writer for the new series. He is joined by co-scriptwriter Ryu Yong-jae, who also collaborated on The Grey. Japanese directors Kensaku Kakimoto and Kazuhiro Nakagawa helm the episodes, bridging the creative sensibilities of Korean and Japanese storytelling.

Yeon praised Kutsuna's performance in bringing the non-human character to life. "She did a wonderful job of portraying the process of a non-human creature coming to understand both humanity and her own existence," he said.

Production is handled by WOWPOINT and EPISCOPE, INC., with Yoomin Hailey Yang serving as executive producer.

The Parasyte Legacy

Iwaaki's original Parasyte manga was serialized in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine from 1990 to 1995 and has sold approximately 25 million copies worldwide. The franchise has spawned multiple adaptations over the years, including a 24-episode television anime in 2014 produced by Madhouse, a pair of live-action films released in 2014 and 2015, and the Korean-language series Parasyte: The Grey in 2024.

Parasyte: The Grey proved a significant hit for Netflix, which likely fueled the platform's decision to greenlight another entry in the franchise. By shifting the narrative lens to Ryoko Tamiya - one of the original manga's most philosophically rich characters - the new series promises a story that stands on its own while rewarding longtime fans of the source material.

What Comes Next

Parasyte: TAMIYA is scheduled for a 2027 global premiere on Netflix, though a specific release date has not yet been confirmed. With a cross-cultural creative team and a lead actress tackling what she describes as a career-defining role, the series represents Netflix's continued investment in adapting iconic manga properties for live-action audiences worldwide.