Cowboy Bebop Creator Announces New Anime for Spring 2025
The legendary Shinichiro Watanabe, creator of Cowboy Bebop, is making his grand return with a new anime series titled “Lazarus”. The sci-fi series is set to premiere in April 2025 during the Spring anime season, and fans are already super excited for this brand new surprise.
Lazarus Official Trailer
According to the anime’s official website, Lazarus is set in a futuristic world where a miracle drug called “Hapna” has changed everything. Initially hailed as a medical breakthrough, Hapna soon reveals its dark side—it’s incredibly deadly. To combat this crisis, a team of agents known as “Lazarus” is formed.
Their mission? To find a vaccine and unravel the conspiracy surrounding Hapna. However, time is not on their side—the drug’s developer, Skinner, has set a strict 30-day deadline. The big question remains: Can the Lazarus team save humanity within this short timeframe?
Adding to the hype, Watanabe confirmed that Lazarus is loosely set in the same world as Cowboy Bebop. However, he emphasized that the new series will stand entirely on its own, offering a fresh story and atmosphere for fans.
Behind the Scenes
The creative team behind Lazarus is nothing short of stellar. Watanabe is joined by writers Dai Sato, Takahiro Ozawa, and Tsukasa Kondo to craft the screenplay. The animation is handled by MAPPA, the powerhouse studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan: The Final Season. Akemi Hayashi, known for Banana Fish, is in charge of character design.
Music fans also have something to look forward to. The soundtrack is being produced by acclaimed artists Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points, promising a blend of atmospheric and high-energy tracks to complement the series’ tone.
Perhaps the most exciting collaboration is with Chad Stahelski, the director of the John Wick franchise. Stahelski is overseeing the action direction for several episodes. Originally brought in to provide tips on choreography, he surprised the team by taking a hands-on role in crafting Lazarus’ thrilling fight scenes.
Watanabe revealed in an interview that the drug Hapna draws inspiration from the real-world opioid crisis, adding a layer of social commentary to the gripping narrative. With its blend of sci-fi, intense action, and an all-star creative team, Lazarus is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates!