Shinichirō Watanabe’s ‘Lazarus’ Premieres April 5 on Adult Swim
Renowned anime director Shinichirō Watanabe, celebrated for the iconic Cowboy Bebop, returns with his latest project, Lazarus. This highly anticipated series is set to premiere on April 5, 2025, at midnight on Adult Swim’s Toonami block, with episodes available for streaming on Max the following day.
A Glimpse into ‘Lazarus’
Set in the year 2052, Lazarus envisions a utopian world disrupted by a groundbreaking drug called Hapuna, developed by neuroscientist Dr. Skinner. Initially hailed as a miracle cure, Hapuna reveals its deadly nature three years post-consumption, leading to a global crisis. In response, an elite task force named “Lazarus” is assembled to locate Dr. Skinner and secure a cure before time runs out.
Collaborative Excellence
The series boasts animation by MAPPA, known for their work on Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen, in collaboration with Sola Entertainment. Action sequences are choreographed by Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick franchise, ensuring dynamic and realistic combat scenes. The musical landscape of Lazarus is crafted by a trio of acclaimed artists: jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, and electronic music producers Bonobo and Floating Points.
Themes Reflecting Real-World Issues
Watanabe draws inspiration from pressing global concerns, notably the opioid crisis and climate change. Through Lazarus, he explores the unintended consequences of scientific advancements and humanity’s vulnerability to its creations. The narrative delves into themes of trust, the ethical implications of medical breakthroughs, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of existential threats.
Voice Cast and Characters
The English voice cast brings depth to the series’ multifaceted characters:
- Dr. Skinner: Voiced by David Matranga, Dr. Skinner is the enigmatic neuroscientist behind Hapuna, whose intentions and whereabouts become central to the plot.
- Hersch: Portrayed by Jade Kelly, Hersch is a key member of the Lazarus task force, known for her analytical mind and combat prowess.
- Axel: Jack Stansbury lends his voice to Axel, a seasoned operative with a complex past, bringing both experience and emotional depth to the team.
- Chris: Luci Christian voices Chris, a tech specialist whose innovations are crucial in the mission to find Dr. Skinner.
- Leland: Bryson Baugus portrays Leland, a young prodigy whose insights often guide the team’s strategies.
- Doug: Jovan Jackson voices Doug, the team’s logistics expert, ensuring operations run smoothly under pressure.
- Elaina: Annie Wild brings to life Elaina, a field agent whose agility and quick thinking are assets in critical situations.
- Abel: Sean Patrick Judge voices Abel, a strategist whose plans often serve as the backbone of the team’s efforts.
Anticipation Builds
The announcement of Lazarus has generated significant excitement within the anime community and among Watanabe’s global fanbase. With its compelling storyline, high-caliber collaborations, and reflection of contemporary issues, Lazarus is poised to make a profound impact upon its release.
