22 April,2026 07:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Parasite poster
Oscar-winning filmmaker Bong Joon-ho has shared a major update on the much-anticipated HBO series based on his film Parasite, assuring fans that the project is still very much in progress.
The director revealed that the series remains in active development, with the writing phase currently underway. Offering insight into the process, Bong said the team behind the show is "working very hard" to bring the story to life, indicating that significant effort is being invested in shaping the narrative.
Originally announced in 2020, the HBO adaptation has been in development for several years, leading to speculation about its status. However, Bong's latest comments confirm that the project has not been shelved. He emphasised that while progress is being made, the timeline remains uncertain, noting that it may "take a while" before the series is ready for release.
The upcoming show is expected to expand on the world of Parasite rather than simply retelling the original story. Bong has previously explained that the series will explore narratives that exist beyond the film's timeline, delving deeper into characters and events that were only hinted at in the movie.
Conceived as a limited series, the project is being developed in collaboration with filmmaker Adam McKay, known for his work on acclaimed productions. The show is planned as a multi-hour narrative, allowing for a more detailed and layered exploration of the themes that made the original film a global phenomenon.
Parasite, released in 2019, became a landmark in cinema history by winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, making it the first non-English-language film to achieve the honour. Its sharp commentary on class divide and social inequality resonated worldwide, raising expectations for the series adaptation.
Despite the long wait and limited updates over the years, Bong's recent remarks have reignited excitement among fans. He even hinted at the depth of the writing process, suggesting that the development stage itself is so engaging it could be a story of its own.
While details about casting, release date, and storyline remain under wraps, the confirmation that the project is actively moving forward offers reassurance. For now, audiences will have to wait a little longer, but Bong's vision suggests that the Parasite universe is far from over and its next chapter could be just as compelling as the original.
