A new sneak peek video of Shinichiro Watanabe‘s “Lazarus,” produced by MAPPA, has been released, showcasing an intense prison fight scene. The anime, which marks Watanabe’s return to the sci-fi genre, is highly anticipated by fans of “Cowboy Bebop” and “Samurai Champloo”. “Lazarus” is scheduled to premiere in April 2025, both in Japan and on Adult Swim’s Toonami programming block in the United States.
“Lazarus” Anime: Unveiling the Dystopian Future
Premise and Setting
Set in the utopian year 2052, “Lazarus” presents a world seemingly freed from pain and suffering thanks to a miracle drug called Hapuna, developed by Dr. Skinner. However, this apparent utopia is shattered when Skinner reveals that Hapuna has a fatal flaw: it causes death three years after ingestion. With humanity facing extinction, a task force of five agents, codenamed “Lazarus,” is assembled to locate Skinner and find a cure. The anime blends science fiction, political thriller, action, and espionage, exploring existential questions about humanity’s future.
The Prison Fight Sneak Peek
The recently released sneak peek video offers a glimpse into the action-packed sequences that “Lazarus” promises. The trailer features a prison break scene, showcasing the protagonist’s slick moves and the anime’s fluid animation style. The action choreography is reminiscent of Watanabe’s previous works, with a blend of jazz-infused coolness and high-octane combat.
Production Details
Studio and Staff
“Lazarus” is produced by MAPPA (known for “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Chainsaw Man”) and Sola Entertainment, ensuring high-quality animation and visuals. Shinichiro Watanabe is not only the original creator and director but also co-writes the scripts alongside Dai Sato, Takahiro Ozawa, and Tsukasa Kondo. Chad Stahelski (of “John Wick” fame) serves as the action supervisor, promising thrilling and innovative fight choreography. Akemi Hayashi is responsible for the character designs, while the music is composed by a stellar lineup of artists, including Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points.
Voice Cast
The Japanese voice cast includes:
- Mamoru Miyano as Axel
- Makoto Furukawa as Doug
- Maaya Uchida as Christine
- Yuma Uchida as Leland
- Manaka Iwami as Eleina
- Megumi Hayashibara as Hersch
- Akio Otsuka as Abel
- Koichi Yamadera as Dr. Skinner
Music
The opening theme song, “Vortex,” is performed by Kamasi Washington, while The Boo Radleys perform the ending theme song, “Lazarus.” The series also features music by Bonobo and Floating Points.
Release Information
Premiere Date
“Lazarus” is set to premiere on April 6, 2025, in Japan on TV Tokyo and in the United States on Adult Swim’s Toonami programming block. Episodes will also be available to stream on Max the following day.
Broadcast Details
Adult Swim will air the series in English, with new episodes available on Max the next day. English-language encore airings will debut every Thursday. Episodes in Japanese with English subtitles will debut in the U.S. on Adult Swim and Max 30 days after their English-language premiere.
Story and Characters
The Hapuna Drug and Dr. Skinner
In 2052, Dr. Skinner’s miracle drug, Hapuna, eradicates pain and disease, bringing unprecedented peace and prosperity. However, Skinner’s reappearance reveals Hapuna’s deadly secret: it causes death three years after ingestion.
The Lazarus Task Force
The “Lazarus” team, composed of five agents from around the world, is humanity’s last hope. Their mission is to find Skinner and develop a vaccine to save humanity.
Key Characters:
- Axel: Voiced by Mamoru Miyano (Japanese) and Jack Stansbury (English), Axel is one of the central figures within the Lazarus group.
- Doug: Voiced by Makoto Furukawa (Japanese) and Jovan Jackson (English).
- Dr. Skinner: A neuroscientist-turned-mad scientist who deceived humanity with Hapuna, a seemingly cure-all drug that is later revealed to be a deadly poison.
Themes and Influences
Opioid Crisis
Shinichiro Watanabe has cited the opioid crisis as one of the inspirations for “Lazarus,” adding a layer of social commentary to the sci-fi narrative.
Existential Questions
The anime delves into existential questions about humanity’s future, exploring the consequences of technological advancements and the pursuit of a pain-free world.
Expert Opinion
Shinichirō Watanabe, born November 24, 1965, is a highly acclaimed Japanese anime director, screenwriter, and producer. He is best known for his work on groundbreaking anime series such as “Cowboy Bebop,” “Samurai Champloo,” and “Space Dandy.” Watanabe’s signature style blends various genres, including science fiction, action, and music, to create unique and memorable viewing experiences. His works often explore themes of identity, freedom, and the human condition.
Watanabe’s expertise in blending genres and creating compelling characters has earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. His ability to seamlessly integrate music into his storytelling is another hallmark of his work. The selection of Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points to compose the music for “Lazarus” reflects Watanabe’s commitment to incorporating diverse musical styles into his anime.
Anticipation and Expectations
With its gripping premise, top-tier production, and an all-star creative team, “Lazarus” is poised to be one of 2025’s must-watch anime. Fans of Watanabe’s previous works and newcomers alike are eagerly anticipating the series’ premiere.
