Lazarus (ラザロ, Razaro) is a new anime series produced by Sola Entertainment and animated by Studio MAPPA, set in the near future. The storyline revolves around a team's pursuit of an renowned scientist, responsible for a seemingly miraculous drug, which, in reality, acts as a slow-acting, deadly poison.
The project, spearheaded by director and creator of the original Cowboy Bebop, Shinichirō Watanabe, is being presented in collaboration with Adult Swim. The series airs on Toonami.
To offer fans a sneak peek, Watanabe unveiled a first look at Lazarus during the Adult Swim Festival on Saturday, July 22.
Plot[]
Adult Swim describes the story:
The year is 2052 - an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity prevails across the globe. The reason for this: mankind has been freed from sickness and pain. Nobel Prize winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner has developed a miracle cure-all drug with no apparent drawbacks called Hapuna.
Three years later, the world has moved on. But Dr. Skinner has returned - this time, as a harbinger of doom. Skinner announces that Hapuna has a short half-life. Everyone who has taken it will die approximately three years later. Death is coming for this sinful world - and coming soon.
As a response to this threat, a special task force of 5 agents is gathered from across the world to save humanity from Skinner's plan. This group is called "Lazarus." Can they find Skinner and develop a vaccine before time runs out?[2][3]
Information[]
Adult Swim made an official announcement regarding the approval of a new anime series named "Lazarus," led by the accomplished director Shinichiro Watanabe, renowned for his work on "Cowboy Bebop."
According to Adult Swim, "Lazarus" marks Watanabe's return to the sci-fi action genre, presenting a captivating globe-trotting thriller set in the year 2052. Watanabe expressed his excitement about this creative venture, believing it to be a culmination of his career thus far and expressed hope for the audience's enjoyment.
What adds even more interest to the project is the involvement of Chad Stahelski, renowned for directing the action-packed "John Wick" films. Stahelski is responsible for crafting the high-octane action sequences in "Lazarus."
The plot of "Lazarus" centers around a Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist who creates a universal remedy with a drawback that induces death three years after consumption. To address this critical issue, a special task force named "Lazarus" is assembled with the mission of developing a vaccine for the fatal side effect.
The first Episode of the series premiered on the 4th of April 2025 on Toonami. Simultaneously, it also premiered on TV Tokyo on the 5th of April 2025.
Production[]
Jason DeMarco, the Senior Vice President and Head of Anime and Action Series at Adult Swim, has officially confirmed that Watanabe will be taking the director's seat for every episode of the anime. The action sequences for this science-fiction anime is masterfully designed by Chad Stahelski, renowned for his work as a stuntman and director on the John Wick films. Elevating the anime's auditory experience, jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington provides the score, while the production is in the capable hands of Sola Entertainment. Additionally, talented producers, DJs, and musicians Floating Points and Bonobo also contribute their skills to this exciting project.
Staff[]
- Director: Shinichiro Watanabe
- Action Director: Chad Stahelski (87eleven Action Design)
- Studio: MAPPA
- Produced by: Sola Entertainment
- Music by: Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, Bonobo
- Licensed by: Warner Bros. Television
- Network: Adult Swim (Toonami), Cartoon Network (Adult Swim/Toonami), Toonami
Characters[]
- Dr. Skinner
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- An accomplished neuroscientist, who acts as the Antagonist of Lazarus. He is the creator of the drug "Hapna." He reveals the drug's true nature, as it turns out to be a deadly poison, causing anyone who has taken it to die in the following 3 years.
Featured Media[]
Videos[]
Preview Images[]
Characters Settings[]
References[]
- ↑ SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO @Clarknova1 (July 20, 2023). "13" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ↑ Adult Swim Greenlights Anime Legend Shinichirō Watanabe’s New Series “Lazarus” (July 20, 2023).
- ↑ Mateo, Alex (July 20, 2023). Adult Swim, Cowboy Bebop's Shinichiro Watanabe, MAPPA Produce New Original Anime Lazarus (Updated).