Since its debut in 1998, Cowboy Bebop has cemented its status as a cornerstone of anime, merging elements of science fiction, film noir, Westerns, and jazz. This groundbreaking series not only reshaped the anime landscape but also earned a lasting place in global pop culture. As a result, director Shinichirō Watanabe has become a highly anticipated figure in the anime industry, with audiences eagerly awaiting his new works.
Watanabe is set to unveil his latest original anime, Lazarus, premiering on April 5, 2025, on Adult Swim’s Toonami, with subsequent streaming available on Max. Produced by the acclaimed studio MAPPA, known for hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan: The Final Season, the series raises expectations even higher. Enthusiasts can check out the newly released opening sequence, featuring “VORTEX” by the jazz maestro Kamasi Washington, offering fans a sneak peek into the dynamic world of Lazarus.
Lazarus: A Dystopian Race Against Time
Watanabe on Lazarus: “A New Kind of Challenge”
The narrative of Lazarus unfolds in the year 2052, during a time of unprecedented peace brought about by the invention of a revolutionary painkiller known as “Hapuna,” which was created by neuroscientist Dr. Skinner. However, the storyline darkens when Skinner vanishes, only to reappear three years later with a dire warning: Hapuna is a covert death sentence, and unless he is located within 30 days, humanity faces extinction. To thwart this existential crisis, a global task force of five elite agents, dubbed “Lazarus,” is assembled to find Skinner and avert disaster.
Reflecting on his creative direction for Lazarus, director Watanabe stated, “This series represents a new challenge for me, unlike any of my past works. I placed a strong emphasis on human drama and suspense while striving for innovative visual and musical experiences. I’ve poured my heart into this project, hoping to evoke surprise and deep emotions in the audience.”
Echoes of Bebop with a Fresh Sound
A Star-Studded Cast Returns
The opening sequence of Lazarus features striking visuals of main characters gracefully falling against stunning backdrops. At a glance, the character Axel Gilberto might remind viewers of Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop due to their similar looks, yet Axel is a unique character with an original storyline. Nonetheless, the series retains a thematic resonance with Watanabe’s previous masterpiece, encompassing similar tones and aesthetics.
Moreover, Watanabe has reunited with several talented voice actors from Cowboy Bebop for Lazarus. Notable performances include Kōichi Yamadera as Dr. Skinner and Megumi Hayashibara as Hersch, alongside Akio Ōtsuka, who voices Abel. With an exceptional cast and an eclectic musical score that features luminaries like Kamasi Washington, Lazarus is poised to be one of the standout anime series of 2025.
Source: Adult Swim on YouTube