One of the most beloved creators in all of anime is returning to Adult Swim. “Lazarus,” the newest show from “Cowboy Bebop” director Shinichirō Watanabe, will premiere on Adult Swim on April 5 at midnight during the network’s Toonami programming block.
Described as a sci-fi thriller set in the year 2052, “Lazarus” revolves around a miracle drug called Hapna that claims to free anyone who takes it from all pain. But the supposed panacea comes with a horrific side effect: everyone who takes it will die. The series follows a group of agents who only have 30 days to find the vaccine and save all of humanity.
“Three years after ingestion, Hapna will mutate, killing all those who have taken it. But you should know that I currently have the cure,” Dr. Skinner (David Matranga) menacingly says in the trailer for the upcoming series. “So unless you find me within that time, hope will be lost forever.”
The clip then cuts to one of the agents cockily responding to Skinner, saying, “Your ass is mine.” The rest of the teaser is full of delicious Watanabe tropes: spaceships, smug one-liners, jazz riffs, knowing smirks, car chases and explosions galore. Watch the full trailer, below:
An auteur of anime, Watanabe is largely considered to be one of the all-time best directors of the medium. In addition to directing the critically acclaimed “Cowboy Bebop,” he’s been behind beloved series such as “Samurai Champloo,” “Carole & Tuesday” and “Space Dandy.”
“We’re talking Watanabe here — this show is an amazing mix of great characters, super fun, high-stakes, brilliant directing and, of course, some pretty great music,” Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen said in a Thursday statement. “We are all so lucky to be able to watch this genius do his thing.”
“Lazarus” will feature action sequences designed by director Chad Stahelski (“John Wick”) as well as a jazz and electronic-infused score from jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington; producer, DJ and musician Floating Points; and producer, DJ and musician Bonobo. Its English-language cast includes Matranga (Dr. Skinner), Jade Kelly (Hersch), Jack Stansbury (Axel), Luci Christian (Chris), Bryson Baugus (Leland), Jovan Jackson (Doug), Annie Wild (Elaina) and Sean Patrick Judge (Abel). The series is produced by Sola Entertainment and animated by Studio MAPPA.
New episodes will air Sundays on Adult Swim in English starting April 5 and will be available to stream the following day on Max. Additionally, Adult Swim will air English-language encores every Thursday at midnight starting April 10. Episodes in Japanese with English subtitles will debut on Adult Swim and on Max 30 days after their English-language premiere.
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