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Lazarus, an original sci-fi action anime directed by the legendary Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop,Samurai Champloo) and produced by MAPPA (Chainsaw Man,Jujutsu Kaisen), has officially completed production. Fans can expect the series to premiere in Japan this April 2025, with a subsequent release onAdult Swim’s Toonami programming block.
With all 13 episodes completed, viewers are eager to experience Watanabe’s latest creation, which promises to blend his signature storytelling with top-tier animation and pulse-pounding fight sequences choreographedbyJohn Wickdirector Chad Stahelski.
What Is Lazarus Anime About?
Set in the year 2052,Lazarusintroduces a world that has achieved an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity—thanks to a miracle drug calledHapuna. Created by Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner,Hapunawas celebrated as a revolutionary cure-all with no side effects. The drug quickly became ubiquitous, transforming society and eliminating pain and sickness.
However, the dream turns into a nightmare. Three years after his mysterious disappearance, Dr. Skinner returns with a chilling announcement:Hapunahas a deadly flaw. Everyone who has taken the drug will die within a short time. His message: death is coming for humanity.
To stop this global catastrophe, five elite agents are assembled to track down Dr. Skinner and develop a cure before time runs out.These agents, known as Lazarus, are humanity’s last hope in a race against the clock.
The Stellar Team Behind Lazarus
The creative team behindLazarusis nothing short of remarkable. Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, every episode promises the same attention to detail and narrative depth seen in his past works likeCowboy BebopandSamurai Champloo. MAPPA will do what it’s best at; though hopefully,without overworking its staff again.
The series also boasts an impressive music lineup. Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington performs the opening theme,Vortex, while The Boo Radleys contribute the ending theme,Lazarus. Collaborations with musicians Floating Points and Bonobo add to the atmospheric score, elevating the show’s tone and emotional depth.
Voice Cast and Release Details
The Japanese voice cast is led by Mamoru Miyano (Death Note) as Axel and Makoto Furukawa (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) as Doug. Other cast members include Maaya Uchida (Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions) and Yuma Uchida (Jujutsu Kaisen).Lazaruswill debut on TV Tokyo in April 2025, with its Toonami release date expected to be announced soon.
With its gripping premise, top-tier production, and an all-star creative team,Lazarusis set to be one of 2025’s must-watch anime. Fans of Watanabe’s past work won’t want to miss this thrilling new adventure.
