New Trailer Released for Cowboy Bebop Director’s Upcoming Anime Raises Fan Concerns

The latest sci-fi anime from Shinichirō Watanabe, renowned for directing Cowboy Bebop, has just released a new trailer. Despite the impressive visuals, viewers are managing their expectations.

Titled Lazarus, this forthcoming anime is helmed by Watanabe and animated by MAPPA. It promises to deliver an original series set in a bleak, dystopian future. With action scenes choreographed by Chad Stahelski, known for the John Wick franchise, this show boasts an impressive pedigree.

At New York Comic-Con 2024, a new teaser highlighted a tense moment where a man is pursued through a subway station by numerous drones, showcasing the striking animation and advanced policing technology that characterize this universe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdxtg4xyGxg

FIRST LOOK: Lazarus | adult swim (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdxtg4xyGxg)

The clip is engaging, although it leaves us in the dark regarding specific plot elements. Currently, the narrative revolves around a taskforce on the hunt for a scientist who disappears after developing a drug that proves fatal after a certain duration.

While many viewers are excited by the sneak peek, there’s also caution stemming from previous Adult Swim projects. “Given the experience with Ninja Kamui, I’m tempering my enthusiasm for now,” shared one user on X/Twitter.

Another user chimed in, “I hope you don’t repeat the issues of Ninja Kamui.” A third person questioned, “Are you planning another bait and switch like you did with Uzumaki?”

Both shows experienced significant declines in viewer satisfaction after promising starts. Ninja Kamui had an impactful debut but faltered as the episodes progressed, while Uzumaki, which was a mini-series, seemed to deteriorate visibly in quality from its first to second episode.

These series, facilitated by Adult Swim, have somewhat tarnished the network’s reputation. However, given the talent behind Lazarus, there is a glimmer of hope, though audiences remain cautious. The event confirmed that all 13 episodes are now completed.

Look out for its release in 2025.

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