Exciting news for anime enthusiasts: Shinichiro Watanabe, the acclaimed director behind Cowboy Bebop, is set to unveil his latest creation, Lazarus. Here’s what we know about this highly anticipated series.
Cowboy Bebop is often hailed as one of the greatest anime series of all time, captivating audiences with the adventures of Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed, and Ein for years. A significant part of its success is attributable to Watanabe’s visionary direction.
However, Cowboy Bebop is far from the only notable project in Watanabe’s career. He has also brought to life remarkable titles such as Samurai Champloo, Terror in Resonance, and Carol and Tuesday throughout his illustrious journey.
Given his impressive track record, it’s no wonder that anime fans are keenly anticipating Watanabe’s new venture, especially with notable talent from the action film genre collaborating on Lazarus.
When will it be released?
Lazarus is set to premiere in 2025, as announced during the SDCC 2024 panel focused on Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty: The Anime.
The series was first revealed back in July 2023 by Adult Swim, along with details regarding key personnel involved in the production, including the director himself.
During the teaser reveal, the production team indicated that Lazarus is on track to complete by 2024. So far, everything appears to be progressing as planned, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Trailer for Lazarus
The initial teaser for Lazarus dropped just two days following the official announcement on July 22, 2023, at SDCC.
This trailer introduces key characters of the series and kicks off in a prison setting, featuring a dark-haired male protagonist on a mission, showcasing impressive action sequences.
Additionally, viewers can catch a glimpse of the nationwide announcement that ignites the story’s dramatic events. Other pivotal characters make their initial appearances, hinting at their influence on the plot.
An additional action-packed teaser is slated for release during NYCC 2024.
What is Lazarus about?
Lazarus is an original anime produced by Adult Swim, which distinguishes it from adaptations of existing manga or light novels.
The narrative unfolds in 2059, within a world that has reached a form of utopia, thanks to the groundbreaking drug Hapuna, capable of curing any illness without side effects.
The plot thickens when Dr. Skinner, the Nobel Prize-winning creator of Hapuna, mysteriously disappears on the day his drug is set for release. He reemerges three years later, ominously stating that anyone who has taken Hapuna will die three years post-ingestion.
His explosive declaration is followed by another abrupt disappearance, prompting the government to intervene by assembling a specialized task force.
This elite group of five agents, known as Lazarus, is charged with locating the elusive scientist and developing a vaccine to protect humanity from the looming crisis.
Who are the creators?
The animation for Lazarus is being handled by the renowned studio MAPPA, while Solo Entertainment oversees the production.
As previously noted, Shinichiro Watanabe is at the helm as director, with Chad Stahelski—known for his work on the John Wick franchise—crafting the action sequences.
Character designs are being created by Akemi Hayashi, who has previously worked on popular titles like Banana Fish, Fruits Basket (2011), and the LGBTQ+ film Doukyuusei.
Musical contributions come from several notable artists, including Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo.
How many episodes can we expect?
Lazarus is slated to have a total of 13 episodes, which aligns with the typical structure of seasonal anime.
These episodes are expected to be aired on Adult Swim’s Toonami channel, with no current word on whether it will also be available on other popular streaming platforms like Crunchyroll or Netflix.
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