The Human Vapor Remake of Sci-fi Classic Coming from Train to Busan Filmmaker

Netflix and Toho are teaming up for a remake of the sci-fi classic The Human Vapor and have hired Train to Busan’s Yeon Sang-ho to help make it.

The original 1960 movie, directed by Godzilla’s Ishirō Honda, is considered a pioneering sci-fi classic of its time. The reboot will see The Human Vapor reimagined as a live-action series set in modern Japan.

The big thing of note here is that this represents the first full collaboration between Netflix and Toho Studios. This comes hot on the heels of Netflix gaining streaming rights for the celebrated Godzilla: Minus One .

The Human Vapor will be co-created by Korean filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho ( Train to Busan , Hellbound, Parasyte: The Grey), who is serving as the film’s executive producer and co-scriptwriter, and Japan’s Shinzo Katayama (Missing, Siblings of the Cape, Gannibal) who is directing. The series will star Shun Oguri (Godzilla vs. Kong) and Yu Aoi (Wife of a Spy).

What is The Human Vapor about?

In the story of The Human Vapor, a librarian is subject to a scientific experiment that goes wrong and transforms him into ‘The Human Vapor.’ He uses his new ability to rob banks to fund the career of his girlfriend, a beautiful dancer. The Human Vapor is ruthless in his quest for money and kills anyone who stands in his way, especially the police. He soon becomes Tokyo’s most wanted criminal. Can he be stopped before he kills again?

The original film was the third of Toho ‘s Transforming Human Series, and Yeon chose this one to adapt when offered because “It is a 1960 film, but its sci-fi expressions are still impressively skillful. I believed that if it were reborn with modern visuals, it would be truly fascinating.”

Director Shinzo Katayama was new to the original film, but quickly saw the appeal in a modern retelling.

“I knew about The Human Vapor but hadn’t seen it until recently. Watching it, 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.”

While there are no concrete details on a release date just yet, the duo have said it will take at least a year. They also said they’ve received special permission to shoot in certain Japanese locations that are normally not allowed.

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