“Lazarus” is directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, famous for “Cowboy Bebop” and “Samurai Champloo,” and animated by MAPPA, known for “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Attack on Titan.” The story is set in 2052, where a drug called Hapuna, initially a miracle cure, is revealed to be deadly, leading to the formation of the Lazarus task force to find Dr. Skinner and develop a vaccine.
Trailer Highlights
The new trailer, released in October 2024, offers a first look at the series, likely showing key moments from the first episode, including the task force’s formation and action sequences, recently new trailer has been released on Adult Swim youtube channel, you can see that above.
It features MAPPA’s fluid animation and a jazz-electronic score by Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points, setting a tone reminiscent of Watanabe’s previous works.
The series is set to air in April 2025 on Adult Swim’s Toonami block in the US and TV Tokyo in Japan, with a total of 13 episodes. While the specific date of April 5, 2025, is mentioned.
Production Team and Cast
The production team is a powerhouse, ensuring high expectations for “Lazarus.” Shinichiro Watanabe directs every episode, bringing his experience from iconic series. Chad Stahelski’s involvement in action supervision is notable, especially given his background in the “John Wick” films, promising thrilling and intricate fight scenes.
The animation is handled by MAPPA, with additional staff including character designer Akemi Hayashi (“Banana Fish”), concept designer Stanislas Brunet (“Super Crooks”), and music composers Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points, who also contribute to the opening and ending themes, “Vortex” and “Lazarus,” respectively. The Japanese voice cast is equally impressive, featuring:
| Character | Voice Actor | Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Axel | Mamoru Miyano | Light Yagami (“Death Note”) |
| Doug | Makoto Furukawa | Saitama (“One Punch Man”) |
| Christine | Maaya Uchida | Rikka Takanashi (“Amagi Brilliant Park”) |
| Leland | Yuma Uchida | Megumi Fushiguro (“Jujutsu Kaisen”) |
| Elaina | Manaka Iwami | Ruby Hoshino (“Oshi no Ko”) |
| Hersch | Megumi Hayashibara | Rei Ayanami (“Neon Genesis Evangelion”) |
| Abel | Akio Otsuka | Barbaoro (“One Piece”) |
| Dr. Skinner | Koichi Yamadera | Spike Spiegel (“Cowboy Bebop”) |
Inspirations and Expectations
Watanabe has shared in interviews, such as those at NYCC 2024, that the opioid crisis was a significant inspiration, reflecting on the dangers of miracle cures and their societal impact.
He also highlighted the collaboration with Stahelski, noting the need to recruit animators from outside Japan for the action sequences, indicating a global approach to production.
Fans can expect a series that combines Watanabe’s signature jazz-infused storytelling with MAPPA’s high-quality visuals and Stahelski’s action expertise, potentially setting a new standard for sci-fi anime.
“Lazarus” is poised to be a standout series in the 2025 anime lineup, blending sci-fi, action, and drama with a talented team and cast. The new trailer, while not fully described here, likely sets the stage for an engaging narrative, and its April 2025 premiere is eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates as the release approaches, and prepare for a thrilling journey with the Lazarus task force.
