Iconic anime director Shinichirō Watanabe is back with a new look at the future inLazarus. After making his debut withMacross Plus, Watanabe found his biggest breakout hit inthe originalCowboy Bebopanime, serving as the creative lead and director of the beloved space western anime and its theatrical movie. He would go on to find success with the likes ofSamurai Champloo, the anime adaptation ofKids on the SlopeandCarole & Tuesdayon Netflix, among others.
WithLazarus, Watanabe finds himself returning to the sci-fi genre and setting the story in 2052, in which a utopian-like society has been formed. During this period, a scientist designs a miracle drug, only to later reveal in 2055 that the drug has just a three-year half-life, leaving those who took the drug, which proves to be the majority of society, with little time to live. A task force is assembled and races against time to capture the scientist in the hopes of finding a vaccine before it’s too late.
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Death Notealum Mamoru Miyano is leading the Japanese ensemble voice cast forLazarusalongsideOne-Punch Man’s Makoto Furukawa,Chainsaw Man’s Maaya Uchida,Boruto’s Yuma Uchida,Fruits Basket’s Manaka Iwami,Cowboy Bebop’s Megumi Hayashibara,One Piece’s Akio Otsuka andCowboy Bebop’s Koichi Yamadera. WithJohn Wickfranchise director Chad Stahelskialso onboard the show as its action director, Watanabe’s sci-fi genre return looks to be an exhilarating mix of fast-paced set pieces and intricate storytelling.
In honor of the show’sNew York Comic Con2024 panel,Screen Rantinterviewed Shinichirō Watanabe to discussLazarus, how the opioid crisis in America proved to be a major influence on developing the story for the anime, why Adult Swim continues to be a great home for his projects, how some trademarks ofCowboy Bebopwill continue in the show, and what he hopes audiences will take away from the show.
Lazarus' Concept Came From A Very Real Place For Watanabe
“…I would want people to feel a certain way and think about it…”
Screen Rant: InLazarus, the concept of the miracle drug turning into a fatal trap is a key plot point. What inspired this narrative twist, and how does it reflect contemporary societal issues?
Shinichirō Watanabe: One thing I’d like to say first is that I have a back pain problem and I thought of a miracle drug that would solve my back pain. Actually, I was kidding. [Laughs] One of the inspirations from actual events in society is the opioid crisis. I was very disconcerted by the death of Prince, who I was a very big fan of, and had an interest in this problem, the opioid problem, as an issue.
What do you think the show says about humanity’s reliance on quick fixes, like the drug Hapuna, and the consequences of such dependencies?
Shinichirō Watanabe: So, I wouldn’t want to impose a certain message about it, but I would want people to feel a certain way and think about it after seeing the whole 13 episodes.
LazarusContinues Many Trademarks From Watanabe’sCowboy BebopPast
“…it will become apparent in later episodes.”
Now, Adult Swim is known for its unique approach to anime. What elements ofLazarusdo you believe align with the channel’s ethos, and what excites you the most about bringing this series to that audience?
Shinichirō Watanabe: Well, I think there was a real affinity right from the get-go, because since Cowboy Bebop, my projects have been shown there. So, I don’t think that it’s a case of my work being something that fits Adult Swim. It’s that they just like the type of anime that I create.
In the show, diverse characters are drawn from various parts of the world. Can you talk about ensuring the authentic representation and the depths of these characters, and what cultural influences you drew from?
Shinichirō Watanabe: Again, it’s been true since Cowboy Bebop, if you go back and watch it. One of the reasons that I come back to this multicultural, diverse setting is one of the big influences of mine, which is Blade Runner. That movie was set in 2020 or 2021, and I always thought that when the time came in 2020, it would be that kind of world with diverse people in society. And now, 2020 has come and gone, we haven’t gotten to that place yet, and I hope it will become that sooner.
Now,Cowboy Bebopis knownfor its iconic music. How does the soundtrack inLazarusplay a role into the storytelling, if at all? And can we expect particular musical influences in the show?
Shinichirō Watanabe: So, of course, it’s going to have a very big influence, and it will become apparent in later episodes, so stay tuned.
AboutLazarus
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. Hapuna soon becomes ubiquitous… and essential. However, soon after Hapuna is officially introduced, Dr. Skinner vanishes.
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?
Lazarusis slated to premiere on Adult Swim’s Toonami block sometime in 2025.
Lazarus
Cast
In 2052, humanity celebrates unprecedented peace, thanks to Hapuna—a miracle drug eradicating pain and illness. Three years later, its creator, Dr. Skinner, resurfaces with a grim revelation: Hapuna is a delayed toxin, and death looms for all who took it. With just 30 days to avert catastrophe, a global task force called Lazarus assembles to locate Skinner and develop a cure.
