Image: Netflix-Serie 'Parasyte - TAMIYA -', Hitoshi Iwaaki / Kodansha
AMBot | 07/25/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
Netflix continues its adaptation of the cult manga 'Parasyte' and is releasing a new live-action series titled 'Parasyte – TAMIYA', which focuses exclusively on the parasite Ryoko Tamiya. The announcement was made on July 23, 2026, with a global release planned for 2027.
The series revolves around Ryoko Tamiya, a parasite that initially appears as a violent, man-eating creature but, over the course of the story, begins to explore the possibility of coexistence with humanity. In the original manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki (1988–1995), Tamiya is one of the most distinctive characters: she takes over the body of a high school teacher, teaches herself, and becomes the antagonist of the hero Shinichi Izumi. However, unlike other parasites, she questions her place in the world and eventually develops a desire to live peacefully with humans.
Lead actress Shioli Kutsuna (known from 'Deadpool 2' and 'Sanctuary') portrays Tamiya in three phases: as the original teacher, as a being taken over by a parasite, and as the creature striving for coexistence. 'This role was the most challenging of my career,' says Kutsuna. 'Over the six months of filming, I experienced many new emotions and grew as an actress.'
Behind the series are the creators of 'Parasyte: The Grey', which was released on Netflix in 2024 and reached the top 10 in 34 countries worldwide. 'TAMIYA' was developed and written by Yeon Sang-ho ('Train to Busan') together with Ryu Yong-jae. Direction is handled by Kensaku Kakimoto ('Glass Heart') and Kazuhiro Nakagawa ('Double'), while the Korean production company WOWPOINT is once again responsible for the implementation.
Netflix Executive Producer Yoshihiro Sato emphasizes the timeless relevance of the story: 'What is a human? Can we coexist with beings that are different from us? – These questions, which the manga posed over 30 years ago, are more relevant than ever today, in the age of AI.'
The series is currently in the editing phase. Yeon Sang-ho promises that 'TAMIYA' takes a new direction in all areas – from the plot to the action to the staging – while maintaining respect for the source material. 'Parasyte – TAMIYA' will be available exclusively on Netflix from 2027.
The series revolves around Ryoko Tamiya, a parasite that initially appears as a violent, man-eating creature but, over the course of the story, begins to explore the possibility of coexistence with humanity. In the original manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki (1988–1995), Tamiya is one of the most distinctive characters: she takes over the body of a high school teacher, teaches herself, and becomes the antagonist of the hero Shinichi Izumi. However, unlike other parasites, she questions her place in the world and eventually develops a desire to live peacefully with humans.
Lead actress Shioli Kutsuna (known from 'Deadpool 2' and 'Sanctuary') portrays Tamiya in three phases: as the original teacher, as a being taken over by a parasite, and as the creature striving for coexistence. 'This role was the most challenging of my career,' says Kutsuna. 'Over the six months of filming, I experienced many new emotions and grew as an actress.'
Behind the series are the creators of 'Parasyte: The Grey', which was released on Netflix in 2024 and reached the top 10 in 34 countries worldwide. 'TAMIYA' was developed and written by Yeon Sang-ho ('Train to Busan') together with Ryu Yong-jae. Direction is handled by Kensaku Kakimoto ('Glass Heart') and Kazuhiro Nakagawa ('Double'), while the Korean production company WOWPOINT is once again responsible for the implementation.
Netflix Executive Producer Yoshihiro Sato emphasizes the timeless relevance of the story: 'What is a human? Can we coexist with beings that are different from us? – These questions, which the manga posed over 30 years ago, are more relevant than ever today, in the age of AI.'
The series is currently in the editing phase. Yeon Sang-ho promises that 'TAMIYA' takes a new direction in all areas – from the plot to the action to the staging – while maintaining respect for the source material. 'Parasyte – TAMIYA' will be available exclusively on Netflix from 2027.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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