Netflix 'The Human Vapor' Release Date Set for July 2, 2026

Netflix is producing Human Vapor (also known as Gas Human), a collaborative series led by executive producer Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan). This eight-part modern reimagining of the 1960 cult classic The Human Vapor is a high-scale production involving top-tier talent from Korea and Japan.

Key Facts

• Creative Leadership: Yeon Sang-ho serves as executive producer and lead screenwriter, co-writing with Ryoo Yong-jae (Money Heist: Korea).
• Direction: Shinzo Katayama, former assistant director for Bong Joon-ho’s Mother and director of Gannibal, directs the series.
• Star-Studded Cast: Shun Oguri stars as Detective Kenji Okamoto alongside Yu Aoi as reporter Kyoko Kono, marking their first live-action reunion in 23 years.
• Supporting Roles: Suzu Hirose and Kento Hayashi play siblings who are streaming creators; Yutaka Takenouchi portrays a former yakuza turned CEO.
• The Lead: Rookie actor UTA makes his debut in the title role, cast for his "blank slate" quality as the supernatural antagonist.
• Visual Effects: Academy Award-winning studio Shirogumi (Godzilla Minus One) is focusing on realistic special effects.
• Plot Premise: A serial killer with the ability to transform into gas bypasses physical obstacles to commit predicted murders while evading police.
• Production Partnership: A joint venture between Toho, WOWPOINT, and Netflix.

Key Terms

• Tokusatsu: Japanese live-action media making heavy use of special effects.
• Gas Human: A supernatural being capable of transforming their body into vapor to pass through obstacles.

Key Quote

“The part the production team put the most heart and soul into was ‘realism, not fantasy.’” — WOWPOINT / Shirogumi

Next

• Human Vapor is scheduled for an exclusive worldwide release on Netflix on July 2, 2026.
• All eight episodes will be released simultaneously.