Netflix has released the first full trailer and main poster for its new Korean-language sci-fi horror series, Parasyte: The Grey. Expanding the universe of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s original best-selling manga, Kiseiju (Parasyte), the series tells a new story packed with action, philosophy, and a dash of existential dread.
Citing the manga as one of the most significant works to influence his filmography, director Yeon Sang-ho (“Train to Busan”) was keen to integrate its main message into his live-action series, extending the “Parasyte” universe to a new setting: Korea. “To me, ‘Parasyte’ is about coexistence, so I wanted ‘Parasyte: The Grey’ to echo this theme. I questioned whether people could peacefully coexist with other organisms or mutants unlike themselves,” he said.
“I felt that the creators of Parasyte: The Grey greatly respected the original work,” commented Iwaaki, “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.”
In “Parasyte: The Grey,” Su-in, a young woman caught between her humanity and parasitic influence, embodies this recurring theme of coexistence. As Heidi, the parasite that latched onto Su-in in the aftermath of a near-fatal accident, says, “We would both be dead if we weren’t together. You and I have no choice but to coexist.”
But as a mutant who’s half-parasite and half-human, Su-in doesn’t fully belong to either side—neither the parasites seeking to take over human society nor the team dedicated to eradicating parasitic organisms called “The Grey,” led by the determined Jun-kyung (Lee Jung-hyun). And it’s this tension that plunges viewers into the heart of the conflict.
“Parasyte: The Grey” will premiere on Netflix on April 5, 2024.
