Hirokazu Kore-eda Announces New Netflix Series 'The Invisible Man'

Following the critical success of "Monster," Palme d'Or winning director Hirokazu Kore-eda has announced his next project: a new Netflix series titled "The Invisible Man" (透明なゆりかご). This venture into long-form storytelling for a streaming giant is generating significant interest.

Hirokazu Kore-eda is one of Japan's most internationally celebrated directors. His extensive filmography includes "Nobody Knows" (2004), "Still Walking" (2008), "Like Father, Like Son" (2013), which won the Jury Prize at Cannes, and "Shoplifters" (2018), which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. His films are known for their profound humanism, naturalistic performances, and subtle exploration of complex social themes. His most recent film, "Monster" (2023), won Best Screenplay at Cannes.

While details are still emerging, "The Invisible Man" is reported to be a drama series, a format Kore-eda previously explored with his acclaimed TV series "Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san" (The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House). The shift to a streaming platform like Netflix suggests a broad international reach for his signature intimate storytelling. The title hints at themes of unseen struggles or marginalized individuals, a recurring motif in his work.

Kore-eda is celebrated globally for his nuanced portrayals of family dynamics and social issues. His move to a Netflix series indicates a growing trend of top auteurs exploring television, allowing for more expansive narratives. This project promises to bring his unique blend of warmth, empathy, and keen observation to a wider audience.