Yahoo Lifestyle ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ Star Oguri Shun, ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ Actor Aoi Yu to Lead Netflix-Toho Series Reboot of Classic Film ‘Human Vapor’
Japanese stars Oguri Shun (“Godzilla vs. Kong”) and Aoi Yu (“Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter Part I – The Final”) are set to reunite on screen after 23 years in “Human Vapor,” a new Netflix series produced in collaboration with Toho. The duo last worked together in 2001’s “Ao to Shiro de Mizuiro.”
“Human Vapor” is a modern reimagining of the 1960 sci-fi thriller of the same name. The original film, directed by Honda Ishirō of “Godzilla” fame, 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.
More from Variety
Yeon Sang-ho, known for “Train to Busan” and “Hellbound,” is set to executive produce and has co-written the script alongside Ryu Yong-jae (“Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area”). Katayama Shinzo, whose credits include “Missing” and “Gannibal,” will direct the series.
The project marks the first-ever partnership between the streaming giant and the iconic Japanese studio. The series is being made in association with Wow Point.
Yeon said: “Among the proposals from Toho, to reimagine the ‘Transforming Human Series’ [a term for genre of the films released by Toho in the 1950s and 1960s, including “The Invisible Avenger” (1954), “The H-Man” (1958) and “The Secret of the Telegian” (1960)] there was ‘The Human Vapor.’ It is a 1960 film, but its sci-fi expressions are still impressively skilful. I believed that if it were reborn with modern visuals, it would be truly fascinating.”
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.”
The duo spent about three years working on the script, focusing on updating the story for contemporary audiences while maintaining its core themes. Yeon said: “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 added: “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.”
“Human Vapor” joins a growing list of Korean-Japanese collaborations on Netflix, including the upcoming “Romantic Anonymous” (working title) and “Soul Mate.”
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
