Netflix is bringing a legendary Japanese sci-fi horror classic back to life with Human Vapor, an all-new eight-episode drama premiering July 2.
Inspired by Toho’s 1960 cult film The Human Vapor, the series reimagines the story for a modern audience with an original narrative from acclaimed creator Yeon Sang-ho, the filmmaker behind Train to Busan, Hellbound, and Parasyte: The Grey. Director Shinzo Katayama joins the project, marking the first collaboration between Netflix and Toho.
The story follows a terrifying killer known as the Human Vapor, a mysterious man who can transform into gas and pass through any barrier. Even more chilling, he publicly announces each murder before carrying it out, turning every crime into a nationwide spectacle.
Veteran stars Shun Oguri and Yu Aoi lead the cast as a detective and reporter racing to stop the elusive killer, while newcomer UTA makes his acting debut as the Human Vapor himself.
Netflix’s newly released trailer teases a tense cat-and-mouse mystery packed with shocking murders, conspiracy, and social chaos as police, media, criminals, and livestreamers all collide in pursuit of the truth.
The series also raises the bar for Japanese television production, featuring nearly eight months of filming, large-scale action sequences, groundbreaking visual effects, and even the first-ever full closure of the area in front of Tokyo Station for a major shoot.
If the trailer is any indication, Human Vapor could be one of Netflix’s biggest international thriller releases of the summer.
Human Vapor premieres July 2 exclusively on Netflix.
