For years afterCowboy Bebopended, the world has wondered if Shinichirō Watanabe, the anime’s visionary creator, would ever expand upon his beloved sci-fi universe or craft something akin to its enduring spirit. When asked about revisiting the genre, Watanabe admits that external expectations can stifle his creativity. Instead, he’s chosen to channel his energy into a new project,Lazarus, a 13-episode animedebuting on Adult Swim in 2025. While the DNA ofCowboy Beboplingers in its themes and tone, Watanabe insists thatLazarusis a unique new visionthat stands firmly on its own.
Watanabe, a titan in the anime industry, is best known for his groundbreaking work onCowboy Bebop, the 1998 series that became a cultural touchstone and contributed to the global embrace of anime. However, his filmography also includes other critically acclaimed projects likeSamurai Champloo,Space Dandy, andNetflix’sCarole & Tuesday. Despite his expansive influence, Watanabe remains steadfast in his belief thatcreative work must come from personal passion rather than outward demands. This philosophy has driven his decisions throughout his career, including his hesitance to revisitCowboy Bebopor create a direct sequel.
Shinichirō Watanabe Adds Another Sci-fi Action Anime to His Resume
Lazarus Premieres Worldwide on Adult Swim in 2025
Lazarusmarks Watanabe’s return to sci-fi action, a genre he hasn’t fully explored sinceCowboy Bebop. Set in 2052, the series imaginesa utopia brought about by the invention of Hapna, a revolutionary painkiller. Its creator, Dr. Skinner, disappears shortly after creating the drug, only to return three years later and reveal its fatal side effects. Facing extinction within 30 days, humanity must race against time to find a cure. At the center of the story is Axel, an acrobatic master criminal turned reluctant hero. Axel’s journey promises to combine pulse-pounding parkour sequences with Watanabe’s usual existential musings.
Cowboy Bebop Creator Admits His New Show is “Connected” to the Iconic Anime
Shinichiro Watanabe is a legend among anime directors, and in a recent interview, he revealed his new series, Lazarus, connects with Cowboy Bebop.
Watanabe acknowledges thatLazarusbears similarities toCowboy Bebop,partly due to the influence of Keiko Nobumoto, the late writer who collaborated with him on both series. Nobumoto’s passing in 2021 left Watanabe to complete the story himself, incorporating themes inspired by real-world crises like the opioid epidemic and climate change. Despite these connections, Watanabe emphasizes thatLazarusis not an attempt to recapture the past, it’s a reflection of his evolving artistic vision. Although an official release date forLazarushas yet to be announced, Watanabe confirms that all13 episodes are completed and readyfor their 2025 premiere.
Watanabe Is Confident That Lazarus Stands on Its Own
Music and Fighting Remain at the Forefront of Watanabe’s Work
While aiming for a more realistic feel,Lazarusstill pushes the boundaries of traditional anime action.Watanabe enlistedJohn WickdirectorChad Stahelski to oversee fight choreography, ensuring every sequence feels physically plausible. The series’ title takes its name from a 1992 single by Britpop band The Boo Radleys, and the soundtrack, featuring Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points, will scoreLazarus’ dynamic action and introspective moments. Watanabe credits this eclectic mix of musical styles with helping him craft scenes that are as visually interesting as they are emotionally resonant.
Despite Watanabe’s insistence thatLazarusis a departure fromCowboy Bebop, he acknowledges that comparisons are inevitable. “I wouldn’t mind people getting into the show because of my work onCowboy Bebop,” he says. “But after seeingLazarus, I believe they’ll feel it’s totally its own thing.” While fans might continue to hope for aCowboy Bebopmovie or sequel, Watanabe’s focus remains on creating stories that resonate with him personally. This commitment to originality and innovation has been the hallmark of his career, andLazarusappears poised to carry that tradition forward.
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.
