Overview
- The highly anticipated anime series “Lazarus“, directed by the acclaimed Shinichiro Watanabe, is set to launch on April 5, 2025, and shares its universe with his renowned works.
- The plot revolves around a diverse ensemble of characters on a quest to discover a remedy for a devastating drug, with exhilarating action scenes crafted by the director of John Wick.
- Consisting of 13 episodes, “Lazarus“will be broadcast in the US on Adult Swim’s Toonami block, debuting with dubbed episodes, while subbed versions will be available later on streaming platforms.
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Fans of Cowboy Bebop have much to look forward to in the Spring 2025 anime season as Shinichiro Watanabe‘s latest creation, “Lazarus“, is poised for its premiere in April. The initial trailers promise an exciting experience.
Although “Lazarus“is not directly linked to Cowboy Bebop, it holds potential surprises for loyal fans. After the mixed reception of the Netflix live-action adaptation, it’s time for Watanabe enthusiasts to experience some joy.
What is Lazarus’ Plot Premise?
“Lazarus“unfolds in 2052, when a character named Dr. Skinner (potentially inspired by the real B. F.Skinner) introduces a miraculous drug that can heal all ailments. However, a dire announcement follows three years later—the drug’s half-life is only three years, and those who ingested it face imminent death. Paradoxically, Dr. Skinner disappears soon after this revelation.
A specialized task force named “Lazarus“is formed to locate Dr. Skinner while developing a vaccine to combat this lethal drug. The team’s name not only evokes the biblical figure but could also pay homage to David Bowie’s Lazarus album, which took inspiration from the biblical story.
The protagonist, Axel, hails from Brazil and is skilled in parkour, having gained notoriety through his numerous arrests. His team comprises a diverse lineup of agents:
- Chin from Nigeria
- Kristine from Russia
- Leland from Canada
- Elaine from Hong Kong
- Hersch, the commander of the Lazarus unit
- Abel, an employee of the NSA
Lazarus’ Main Animation Staff
“Lazarus“boasts a talented production team alongside Watanabe. While he takes the lead as director, three other writers contribute to the screenplay:
- Dai Sato, a scribe on Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo
- Takahiro Ozawa, known for the Mazinger Z Movie: Infinity
- Tsukasa Kondo, a writer from Metallic Rouge and Altered Carbon: Resleeved
The action sequences are orchestrated by Chad Stahelski, the mind behind John Wick. Watanabe expressed his excitement about collaborating with Stahelski and humorously mentioned his interest in potentially working with Billie Eilish as well.
Under the production of Sola Entertainment (known for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim) and animation by MAPPA (famed for Jujutsu Kaisen), “Lazarus“promises to be a visually stunning series.
Lazarus’ Release Date and Where to Watch
Viewers can expect “Lazarus“to premiere in the US on April 5, 2025, at midnight (ET), which translates to 9:00 PM PT. Uniquely, it will air on Adult Swim’s Toonami block alongside the Japanese airing, an hour in advance.
Typically, shows exclusive to Adult Swim are made available on MAX shortly after their broadcast, which means those without access to Adult Swim can catch “Lazarus“on MAX starting April 6. Initially, only dubbed episodes will be available, while the subbed versions are expected a month later:
Toonami will be airing the dubbed episodes first, with the subbed versions apparently premiering on Toonami and Max a full month after. Repeats of the dub will also air Thursdays at midnight.— CN News/Schedules (@CNschedules) February 27, 2025
The series is set for a total of 13 episodes, and production is reportedly complete. If all goes according to schedule, “Lazarus“should air through to June 29.
Is Lazarus Related to Cowboy Bebop?
Watanabe envisions his series as interconnected, implying that “Lazarus“resides within the same universe as Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, Carole & Tuesday, and Terror in Resonance. This narrative framework positions “Lazarus“around 20 years earlier in the timeline than Cowboy Bebop, set in 2055 compared to Bebop’s 2071.
While “Lazarus“is not marketed explicitly as a prequel, there might be opportunities to see younger renditions of established characters from Cowboy Bebop.
For fans who prefer to engage with Watanabe’s works independently, this information can easily be set aside. Any nods to Cowboy Bebop in “Lazarus“are unlikely to be central to the narrative, aligning with Watanabe’s distinctive storytelling style.
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