Keanu Reeves to Lead Voice Cast of ‘Hidari,’ Japanese Stop-Motion Samurai Epic From Director Masashi Kawamura
Keanu Reeves will voice the lead character in 'Hidari,' a Japanese stop-motion film directed by Masashi Kawamura, expanding on Kawamura's 2023 viral short of the same name. The story follows a master carpenter seeking vengeance after a betrayal linked to the secret reconstruction of Edo Castle, using mechanical prosthetics and aided by a wooden companion. The film is a co-production between Japanese studios and has secured financing, though a release date has not been announced.
- ▪Keanu Reeves will voice the title character in 'Hidari,' a stop-motion samurai film directed by Masashi Kawamura.
- ▪The film is based on a 2023 proof-of-concept short that garnered nearly 5 million views on YouTube.
- ▪'Hidari' is inspired by the legend of Jingoro Hidari, featuring a carpenter who uses self-designed mechanical arms for revenge after losing his family and limb.
- ▪The project is a co-production between Dwarf Studios, Whatever, and TECARAT, with financing from Questry Co.'s Tomonobu Ibe.
- ▪Masashi Kawamura, known for design-driven work across media, previously earned accolades including a Cristal at Annecy and an International Emmy nomination.
5 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 11 hours. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 3 lean left, 1 centre.
- ▪ Wake Up Samurai — Keanu Reeves Carves Out Lead Role in Japanese Stop-Motion 'Wood Sculpture' Film Hidari — IGN — Top
- ▪ Keanu Reeves Gets His Samurai On with Stop-Motion ‘Hidari’ Film — Gizmodo
- ▪ Keanu Reeves to Voice Lead in Stop-Motion Samurai Movie ‘Hidari’ — Variety
- ▪ Keanu Reeves To Lead Voice Cast Of Masashi Kawamura’s Edo Era-Set Animation ‘Hidari’ — Deadline
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| Publication time | Sun, 17 May 2026 09:30:00 +0000 |
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Keanu Reeves Theo Wargo/Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Keanu Reeves is set to lend his voice to the title role of Hidari, a Japanese stop-motion action feature in development from director Masashi Kawamura, the project’s producers announced Sunday in Cannes. The feature is an expansion of Kawamura’s viral 2023 proof-of-concept short of the same name, which has racked up close to 5 million views on YouTube since its release.
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