Cowboy Bebop Fans Can’t Miss Watanabe’s New Hit: Stream ‘Lazarus’ Now!

by

Acclaimed as one of the greatest animated television series ever made, the cherished neo-noir space Western “Cowboy Bebop,” produced by Sunrise studio and spearheaded by a talented team including director Shinichirō Watanabe, captivated anime enthusiasts worldwide with its breathtaking animation, mesmerizing aesthetic, and outstanding voice performances. This beloved series has garnered widespread acclaim. Known for his unique vision in the realm of anime, Shinichirō Watanabe is often referred to as a master in this field.

Renowned animator Watanabe has maintained his reign over the anime TV and movie scene, with hit shows such as Space Dandy and Carole & Tuesday under his belt. In 2025, he authored, produced, and directed his latest small-screen masterpiece, Lazarus. This pulse-pounding action anime takes place in 2052 and revolves around an elite rescue squad that must act swiftly to save humanity after a miraculous drug is exposed as a fatal elixir that hastens death. Let’s delve deeper into this captivating new series.

An Electrifying New Series From a Japanese Anime Legend

Showcasing his exceptional directorial skills, Shinichirō Watanabe breathed life into his latest captivating television creation, titled “Lazarus“. This new anime is an exhilarating and engaging action series set in the year 2052, where a utopian society has eradicated all illness and suffering.

In this world, a three-time Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Skinner, appears to have found a miraculous drug called “Hapna”, which instantly eliminates pain for its users. As the news of this wonder drug spreads globally, a tranquil serenity seems to envelop the entire world.

Following the distribution of the miraculous, transformative drug called Skinner, the infamous scientist vanishes without a trace and goes underground. Three years later, in 2055, he resurfaces with a shocking confession in an online video: Hapna, the drug, has a three-year lifespan. The sinister doctor threatens that the initial users of the drug will succumb to death within about 30 days unless someone manages to find his whereabouts and creates a vaccine before their time expires.

In reaction to Skinner’s alarming threat, the U.S. government gathers a tenacious task force known as “Lazarus,” made up of 5 agents, among them being Axel Gilberto, a 23-year-old inmate with an exceptional knack for escaping from prisons, whose prison term just keeps getting extended. At first indifferent, Axel later joins forces with his fellow talented team members to pursue Skinner and prevent global catastrophe.

Watanabe’s Enchanting & Wildly Entertaining Action Anime Hit

The captivating anime series drew significant inspiration from the opioid crisis and was created prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview with Comics Beat in November 2024, renowned creator Shinichirō Watanabe shared, “The opioid crisis in the US had a profound impact on our story. Additionally, the global climate crisis played a role as well, given the looming threat of our world’s potential demise.” Furthermore, Watanabe aimed to give the character Axel from Lazarus a distinctive appearance and parkour expertise, resulting in a unique style of movement for this anti-hero lead.

Watanabe sought the exceptional skills of filmmaker Chad Stahelski, previously a stuntman, to create thrilling action scenes. Notably, Stahelski directed the high-octane Keanu Reeves-led John Wick series. As an enthusiast of action-packed movies, Watanabe’s team worked closely with Stahelski, who in turn admired the renowned Japanese creator and his well-known works, Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. Speaking to Anime News Network, Watanabe shared:

I’ve consistently admired the John Wick film series and often find myself rewatching them. What makes them stand out isn’t just the realistic depiction of action, but their fresh, contemporary feel. The way they seamlessly blend modern firearm techniques is incredibly engaging…I even inquired if perhaps my team could offer guidance on crafting similar action sequences. However, instead of providing tips, they assured me, “Don’t worry about it! We’ll handle the choreography for you!

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about the director’s revelation concerning the character of Axel in “Cowboy Bebop“. Before the show even graced our screens, he hinted that parkour played a significant role in shaping this thrill-seeking character. With his captivating agility and skills, Axel manages to wriggle out of most precarious predicaments.

The concept behind “Lazarus” was born from the director’s vision of our fearless Axel: “Lazarus” is packed with parkour because we aimed to construct the action around Axel in such a way that every misstep could send him tumbling. He’s constantly courting danger, but that peril is what exhilarates him – it’s what makes him feel truly alive.

On April 5, 2025, Lazarus officially premiered, captivating both critics and fans alike with its visually stunning scenes, vibrant characters, and a gripping narrative that drew viewers in from the very first scene. The series has received widespread acclaim and high ratings, currently boasting an impressive 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and 8.2 rating on IMDb from users. This further solidifies Watanabe’s reputation as one of the most inventive and dynamic creators in the anime world.

Stream Lazarus on Max

Read More

2025-04-13 20:32