Japanese stars reunite for Netflix’s ‘Human Vapor’

A long-awaited reunion

Japanese stars Oguri Shun and Aoi Yu are set to reunite on screen after 23 years in the new Netflix series, Human Vapor. The duo last worked together in 2001’s “Ao to Shiro de Mizuiro,” and their return is highly anticipated by fans of Japanese cinema.

A modern twist on a classic

Human Vapor is a contemporary reimagining of the 1960 sci-fi thriller of the same name. The original film, directed by Ishirō Honda, who is also known for “Godzilla,” tells the story of a librarian who gains the ability to transform into a gaseous state after being subjected to radiation experiments. Using his newfound powers, he embarks on a series of bank robberies to financially support a struggling dancer he admires. The film is renowned for its exploration of power structures and societal oppression.

A powerhouse team behind the scenes

The new series is set to be executive produced by Yeon Sang-ho, known for “Train to Busan” and “Hellbound.” Yeon has co-written the script alongside Ryu Yong-jae, who worked on “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area.” Directing the series is Katayama Shinzo, whose credits include “Missing” and “Gannibal.”

A historic collaboration

This project marks the first-ever partnership between Netflix and the iconic Japanese studio Toho. The series is being made in association with Wow Point, adding another layer of excitement to this groundbreaking collaboration.

Yeon’s vision for the series

Yeon expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Among the proposals from Toho, to reimagine the ‘Transforming Human Series’ there was ‘The Human Vapor.’ It is a 1960 film, but its sci-fi expressions are still impressively skillful. I believed that if it were reborn with modern visuals, it would be truly fascinating.”

Katayama’s unique perspective

Katayama added, “I was intrigued by its blend of human drama and romantic elements, despite featuring an absurd creature like the Human Vapor. I saw the potential to modernize this classic special effects piece with today’s VFX CG and incorporate human drama to make it a very compelling work.”

A labor of love

The duo spent about three years working on the script, focusing on updating the story for contemporary audiences while maintaining its core themes. Yeon emphasized, “While it is a sci-fi and thriller, at its core, it is a story about people. We focused on treating human emotions with care and portraying the characters’ humanity through the script.”

Katayama also highlighted the unique filming locations, stating, “We have received special permission to shoot in locations where filming is usually not allowed. I believe we will deliver visuals that have never been seen before.”

A growing trend of collaborations

Human Vapor joins a growing list of Korean-Japanese collaborations on Netflix, including the upcoming “Romantic Anonymous” (working title) and “Soul Mate.” This trend signifies a new era of cross-cultural storytelling that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide.

Personal reflections

As a cinema enthusiast, the prospect of seeing Oguri Shun and Aoi Yu together again is thrilling. Their chemistry in “Ao to Shiro de Mizuiro” was palpable, and I can’t wait to see how they bring their characters to life in Human Vapor. The involvement of Yeon Sang-ho and Katayama Shinzo only adds to the anticipation, promising a series that blends cutting-edge visuals with deep, human storytelling.

For those who want to dive deeper into the world of Human Vapor, you can check out the trailer and get a glimpse of what’s to come.

Final thoughts

The collaboration between Netflix and Toho, combined with the talents of Yeon Sang-ho, Katayama Shinzo, Oguri Shun, and Aoi Yu, sets the stage for a series that could redefine the sci-fi genre. Human Vapor is not just a reimagining of a classic; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic that happens when creative minds come together.

Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to watch the trailer to get a sneak peek of this exciting new series.