Originally released in 1998,Cowboy Bebophas become one of the most iconic and influential anime series of all time. Blending sci-fi, noir, westerns, and jazz, the show helped redefine what anime could be on a global scale. Its creator,Shinichirō Watanabe, went on to direct acclaimed titles likeSamurai Champloo,Space Dandy, andCarole & Tuesday, each marked by his signature blend of stylish visuals, philosophical undertones, and genre-defying soundtracks. Over time, Watanabe has become one of the rare anime directors whose every new project sparks worldwide curiosity.
Now, Watanabe returns with his latest original anime,Lazarus, premiering on Jun 22, 2025, on Adult Swim’s Toonami, with streaming to follow on Max. The series is being produced by MAPPA, the powerhouse studio behind hits likeJujutsu KaisenandAttack on Titan: The Final Season, adding even more excitement to the project.The just-released opening sequence,featuring the track “VORTEX” by jazz visionary Kamasi Washington, gives fans their first look—and listen—at the stylish, high-stakes worldLazaruspromises to deliver.
Lazarus Is a Dystopian Race Against Time
Watanabe on Lazarus: “A New Kind of Challenge”
The story ofLazarustakes place in the year 2052, where humanity is enjoying an era of peace thanks to a revolutionary painkiller called “Hapuna,” developed by neuroscientist Dr. Skinner. But things take a dark turn when Skinner suddenly disappears—only to resurface three years later, revealing that Hapuna is actually a delayed death sentence. He declares that unless he’s found within 30 days, humanity is doomed. In response, a global team of five elite agents known as “Lazarus” is formed, racing against time to stop Skinner and save the world.
In an interview about the upcoming series, director Shinichirō Watanabe reflected on his approach toLazarus, saying: “Lazarusis a new kind of challenge for me, different from anything I’ve done before. I focused heavily on human drama and suspense, while also pushing for fresh visual and musical expression. I gave it everything I had in hopes of delivering surprise and emotion to the audience.”
Echoes of Bebop, but With a New Sound
A Star-Studded Cast Returns
The opening sequence ofLazarusfeatures silhouettes of the main characters falling through the air against impressionistic backgrounds. At first glance,one might mistake Axel Gilberto for Spike Spiegel fromCowboy Bebopdue to their similar appearances. However, Axel is a new character with his own distinct story. Still, the series carries strong echoes of Watanabe’s earlier classic, both in tone and style.
Cowboy Bebop’s Creator Is Going All Out with Lazarus, And the Anime’s New Clip Proves It: Watch
A new clip of Shinichiro Watanabe’s upcoming Lazarus has been released, and it shows that the anime is not going to disappoint.
For instance, director Shinichirō Watanabe has brought back notable talent fromCowboy BeboptoLazarus. Japanese voice actors Kōichi Yamadera (Spike Spiegel) and Megumi Hayashibara (Faye Valentine) lend their voices to Dr. Skinner and Hersch, respectively. Additionally, Akio Ōtsuka, known for voicing various characters inCowboy Bebop, voices Abel inLazarus. With a stellar cast and an impressive musical lineup featuring artists like Kamasi Washington,Lazarusis shaping up to be one of the must-watch anime series of the year.
