Shinichirō Watanabe, renowned for his work on “Cowboy Bebop” and “Samurai Champloo,” is partnering with MAPPA, the animation studio behind “Attack on Titan” and “Jujutsu Kaisen,” for a new anime project titled “Lazarus.” The series, set in a near-future world, has revealed fourteen additional cast members who will join the already impressive voice talent.
Lazarus: Plot Overview
“Lazarus” is set in 2052, a time when the world has achieved unprecedented peace and prosperity thanks to a miraculous drug called Hella-B5. Developed by Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner, Hella-B5 has no apparent side effects. However, Dr. Skinner abruptly appears and warns that Hella-B5 will cause death within three years. To counter this impending crisis, a special task force named “Lazarus” is formed from five individuals with unique skills and backgrounds. Their mission is to find Dr. Skinner and develop a cure to save humanity from the deadly effects of Hella-B5.
New Cast Members Announced
The official website for “Lazarus” has announced fourteen new cast members who will be joining the project. These include:
- TBA: Details on specific roles for these cast members have not yet been disclosed, adding to the anticipation and mystery surrounding the characters they will portray.
- The new cast members will be joining previously announced stars.
Key Characters and Voice Cast
The main characters and their respective voice actors include:
- Lazarus: The central team tasked with saving humanity.
- Dr. Skinner: The enigmatic scientist who developed Hella-B5.
Shinichirō Watanabe’s Vision
Shinichirō Watanabe is known for his distinctive style, which blends action, drama, and music seamlessly. His previous works, such as “Cowboy Bebop” and “Samurai Champloo,” have garnered critical acclaim for their unique storytelling and memorable characters. “Lazarus” promises to continue this tradition, offering viewers a blend of intense action, intricate plotlines, and compelling characters.
MAPPA’s Involvement
MAPPA has quickly established itself as one of the leading animation studios in Japan. Known for its high-quality animation and attention to detail, MAPPA has worked on several successful anime series, including “Attack on Titan,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and “Vinland Saga.” Their collaboration with Watanabe on “Lazarus” is highly anticipated, as it brings together two powerhouses in the anime industry.
Production Team
The production team for “Lazarus” includes:
- Director: Shinichirō Watanabe
- Animation Studio: MAPPA
- Music: Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, Bonobo
- Action Design: Chad Stahelski (John Wick franchise)
Musical Score
The musical score for “Lazarus” is being composed by a trio of talented musicians: Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo. Each artist brings a unique style to the project, promising a diverse and captivating soundtrack.
- Kamasi Washington: Known for his jazz compositions.
- Floating Points: An electronic musician known for experimental sounds.
- Bonobo: An electronic musician recognized for downtempo beats.
Action Design
The action sequences in “Lazarus” are being designed by Chad Stahelski, the director of the “John Wick” franchise. Stahelski’s involvement ensures that the series will feature intense and visually stunning action scenes, adding another layer of excitement to the project.
Release Date
The release date for “Lazarus” has not yet been announced.
Anticipation and Expectations
With Shinichirō Watanabe at the helm and MAPPA handling the animation, “Lazarus” is one of the most anticipated anime series in recent years. The combination of a compelling storyline, talented voice cast, and exceptional production team has generated significant buzz among anime fans worldwide. As more information is revealed, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a landmark series in the world of anime.
