The highly anticipated anime series Lazarus, directed by the acclaimed Shinichiro Watanabe, is scheduled to premiere in Japan in April 2025. This announcement comes via the official X (formerly Twitter) account for the series, accompanied by a new visual featuring the main characters. The series will be broadcast on TV Tokyo and its affiliates. While the Japanese premiere is set, the exact debut date for the Adult Swim’s Toonami block in the United States is yet to be announced.
A Utopian World Turned Deadly
Lazarus is set in the year 2052, a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. This era of tranquility is largely attributed to “Hapuna,” a miracle drug developed by the neuroscientist Dr. Skinner. Hapuna, initially hailed as a cure-all with no side effects, has freed humanity from pain and suffering. However, this utopian facade crumbles when Dr. Skinner disappears, only to return three years later with a chilling revelation. Hapuna, it turns out, has a fatal flaw – it causes death after three years of use.
With the world facing imminent doom, a special task force of five agents, known as “Lazarus,” is assembled. Their mission: locate Dr. Skinner and secure the only vaccine that can save humanity. The team is up against a ticking clock, with only 30 days to find Skinner and uncover his true motives.
Production and Creative Team
The series is being brought to life by the renowned animation studio MAPPA, known for its work on such hits as Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man. Sola Entertainment is handling the production planning. Watanabe is not only directing every episode, but he is also credited with creating the original story. The scripts are being penned by Dai Sato, Takahiro Ozawa (Ume), and Tsukasa Kondo, alongside Watanabe himself.
Action and Design
The action sequences in Lazarus are supervised by Chad Stahelski of 87Eleven Action Design, who is known for his work on the John Wick film series. This collaboration promises a unique blend of high-octane, stylish choreography. Akemi Hayashi is responsible for the character designs, while Stanislas Brunet serves as the concept designer. The art direction is being handled by Miho Sugiura.
Music
The series boasts an impressive musical lineup. The opening theme song, “Vortex,” is performed by jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, while the ending theme song, “Lazarus,” is by the English alternative rock band The Boo Radleys. The score is a collaboration between Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points.
Characters and Voice Cast
The voice cast for Lazarus 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
Influences and Themes
Watanabe has revealed that the storyline of Lazarus is inspired by the real-world opioid crisis and other societal issues like climate change. He has stated that he aims for the show to reflect what real life might look like in 2052, giving the series a strong sense of realism. The series also draws inspiration from the action choreography seen in the John Wick movies. Despite its serious themes, Watanabe has emphasized that Lazarus is “totally its own thing” compared to his previous works, although it does have similar stylish action as his famed Cowboy Bebop series, which he attributes to the late Keiko Nobumoto, who worked on Cowboy Bebop.
MAPPA Studio and its Legacy
MAPPA, or Maruyama Animation Produce Project Association, is a Japanese animation studio founded by Masao Maruyama in 2011 after he left Madhouse. The studio has quickly risen to prominence, earning a reputation for producing high-quality, visually striking anime series. MAPPA focuses on TV animation, but also produces content for movies, commercials, and online videos. The studio’s portfolio includes well-known titles like Yuri!!! on Ice, Vinland Saga, Dorohedoro, The God of High School, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Attack on Titan: The Final Season.
Shinichiro Watanabe’s Acclaimed Career
Shinichiro Watanabe, born May 24, 1965, is considered an auteur of Japanese animation. He is renowned for his unique style, which blends mature themes, diverse genres, and evocative use of music. His most famous works include:
- Cowboy Bebop (1998)
- Samurai Champloo (2004)
- Space Dandy (2014)
- Macross Plus (1994)
- Carole & Tuesday (2019)
- Terror in Resonance (2014)
Watanabe’s works are known for their distinct style and often feature memorable characters and complex narratives.
Anticipation and Release
The release of Lazarus is eagerly anticipated by anime fans worldwide. The combination of Watanabe’s creative vision, MAPPA’s animation prowess, and the star-studded cast and crew makes it one of the most talked-about anime of 2025. The series’ unique blend of sci-fi, action, and social commentary is expected to deliver a gripping and thought-provoking experience. While the Japanese broadcast is set for April 2025, fans in the United States await the premiere on Adult Swim’s Toonami block later in the year. The 13-episode series is sure to be a must-watch for anime enthusiasts.
