The legendary Shinichirō Watanabe, known for Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Space Dandy, is back with his highly anticipated new anime, Lazarus. Set in a futuristic world on the brink of collapse, this sci-fi action thriller has been making waves since its announcement, and now, the series has revealed a stacked voice cast, adding even more excitement to its upcoming April 5, 2025 premiere.
With Studio MAPPA handling the animation, Chad Stahelski (John Wick) designing the action sequences, and a killer jazz soundtrack by Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points, Lazarus is shaping up to be one of the biggest anime of 2025.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this highly anticipated original anime, including its new cast additions, storyline, production team, and release details!
What is “Lazarus” About?
Set in the year 2052, Lazarus presents a world where a revolutionary drug called Hapuna has eradicated illness, pain, and suffering, ushering in an age of unparalleled peace and prosperity.
However, three years after its introduction, the drug’s creator, Dr. Skinner, suddenly vanishes, only to return with a horrifying revelation—Hapuna has a hidden side effect: it will kill everyone who has taken it within three years.
With the entire world on a countdown to death, a special task force known as “Lazarus” is assembled, consisting of five elite agents from across the globe. Their mission? Find Dr. Skinner and uncover a cure before it’s too late.
New Cast Members Announced
The latest announcement introduced 14 additional voice actors, joining an already impressive cast. Here are some of the biggest names confirmed:
Newly Announced Voice Cast
🎤 Yūichi Nakamura (Jujutsu Kaisen – Satoru Gojo)
🎤 Tomokazu Sugita (Gintama – Gintoki Sakata)
🎤 Daisuke Ono (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure – Jotaro Kujo)
🎤 Neeko (Seiren – Hana)
🎤 Sumire Uesaka (Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro – Nagatoro)
🎤 Satoshi Hino (Naruto Shippuden – Sai)
🎤 Kōki Uchiyama (My Hero Academia – Shigaraki)
🎤 Kensho Ono (Kuroko’s Basketball – Kuroko)
🎤 Ayane Sakura (My Hero Academia – Uraraka)
🎤 Yoshiko Sakakibara (Hellsing – Sir Integra Hellsing)
These anime veterans bring even more depth to an already star-studded lineup!
Main Cast & Their Roles
⭐ Mamoru Miyano as Axel – A fugitive with elite parkour skills and an unknown past.
⭐ Maaya Uchida as Chris – An intelligent and battle-hardened agent.
⭐ Yūma Uchida as Leland – A tech genius in the Lazarus team.
⭐ Makoto Furukawa as Doug – A mysterious enforcer with deadly combat skills.
⭐ Manaka Iwami as Elaina – A strategist known for outsmarting opponents.
⭐ Megumi Hayashibara as Hersch – A veteran agent with hidden motives.
⭐ Akio Otsuka as Abel – The leader of Lazarus, willing to risk everything.
⭐ Kōichi Yamadera as Dr. Skinner – The man responsible for the global crisis.
Why You Should Be Hyped for Lazarus
🔥 Directed by a Legend – Shinichirō Watanabe, the genius behind Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Terror in Resonance, is known for creating genre-defining anime with rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and breathtaking action.
🎥 John Wick-Style Action – Chad Stahelski, the director of the John Wick series, is bringing his expertise in fight choreography to Lazarus, promising some of the best action scenes in anime history.
🎶 Mind-Blowing Soundtrack – Featuring music by Kamasi Washington (jazz saxophonist), Bonobo (electronic producer), and Floating Points, the series is set to deliver an atmospheric, jazz-fueled experience.
💥 Studio MAPPA is Animating It – The studio behind Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man is handling the animation, meaning top-tier visuals, intense action, and stunning cinematography.
⏳ A Race Against Time Storyline – Unlike most cyberpunk or sci-fi anime, Lazarus focuses on global survival, espionage, and high-stakes action, making it one of the most unique anime of 2025.
Where & When to Watch “Lazarus”
📅 Premiere Date: April 5, 2025
📺 Airing On: Adult Swim’s Toonami block
🌎 Streaming: Episodes will be available on Max (HBO’s streaming service) the next day
🇯🇵 Japanese Subtitled Version: Releases 30 days after the English premiere
Final Thoughts – Will Lazarus Be 2025’s Best Anime?
With its thrilling premise, legendary director, A-list voice cast, and a top-tier animation studio, Lazarus is easily one of the most hyped anime of the year. Whether you’re a fan of intense action, sci-fi thrillers, or just want to see Shinichirō Watanabe’s latest masterpiece, this series is a must-watch.
The countdown is on—April 5 can’t come soon enough! Are you excited for Lazarus? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🔥
Sources:
https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2025/3/7/shinichiro-watanabe-lazarus-anime-new-cast-members