Director Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan, Hellbound) has a new feature coming out on Netflix based on the popular manga, Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki.
The feature, titled Parasyte: The Grey, expands the universe that Iwaaki created, where parasites invade human brains and take over their bodies. The premise sounds similar to The Thing, except in The Grey, these parasites turn their hosts’ heads into tentacle flower things from time to time.
The upcoming Netflix film also centers on a woman named Su-in who joins with a parasite named Heidi(!) and becomes a mutant hybrid, with the parasite and her having conversations inside her head (similar, perhaps, to Eddie and Venom). It was that potential for symbiosis that intrigued Sang-ho.
“To me, Parasyte is about coexistence, so I wanted Parasyte: The Grey to echo this theme,” the director said in a statement. “I questioned whether people could peacefully coexist with other organisms or mutants unlike themselves.”
Su-in and Heidi are the exception to the rule in the film, with the parasites eager to take over humanity and humanity fighting back via an organization called The Grey. The premise has the original manga creator’s blessing.
“I felt that the creators of Parasyte: The Grey greatly respected the original work,” Iwaaki said in the same statement. “At the same time, I could see unique creative branches and ideas throughout the series and enjoyed it as both the original author and as a true ‘audience member.’ Each episode’s plot development is dynamic with a quick tempo that makes it very entertaining.”
Parasyte: The Grey starts streaming on Netflix on April 5, 2024.
Check out the trailer below.
