In this article, we delve into the creative process behind Shinichirō Watanabe’s latest anime series, ‘Lazarus’, exploring its themes and the collaboration that shaped its unique style.
Shinichirō Watanabe Discusses Modernizing ‘Lazarus’
In Adult Swim‘s Lazarus, the latest anime action series from Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichirō Watanabe, one man aims to free the world of pain at a catastrophic price.
The Premise of ‘Lazarus’
The year is 2052, a time when peace and indulgence reign supreme. This tranquility stems from the invention of Hapuna, a miracle drug created by Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner, which eliminates sickness and pain without side effects. However, as society becomes dependent on this drug, Dr. Skinner mysteriously disappears. Three years later, he returns with a dire warning: Hapuna has a short half-life, and those who have taken it will die in approximately thirty days. A group of misfits forms a task force to locate Dr. Skinner and convince him to create a vaccine to avert global extinction.
Watanabe’s Vision
In an interview with Deadline, Watanabe shared insights into the series’ creation.
DEADLINE: What inspired the series?
WATANABE: I always wanted to create an anime akin to 007 or Mission: Impossible. The project began when Cartoon Network reached out to me. The inspiration for Lazarus came from observing the opioid crisis in foreign news, a topic rarely addressed in action films. I envisioned a drug that, while similar to opioids, would have lethal consequences over time.
While some see it as a metaphor for the opioid crisis, it’s primarily a piece of entertainment set in the future.
Collaboration with Chad Stahelski
DEADLINE: You collaborated with Chad Stahelski from John Wick. Can you elaborate?
WATANABE: After two decades away from action anime, I knew I had to modernize my approach. Chad was the perfect collaborator for this.
Industry Changes Over Two Decades
DEADLINE: How has the animation industry changed in 20 years?
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WATANABE: Previously, low production budgets limited our capabilities. Now, with larger budgets, we have more creative freedom, but we face a shortage of skilled animators and directors due to the lengthy training required.
Exploring Themes in ‘Lazarus’
DEADLINE: What themes are central to Lazarus?
WATANABE: The primary theme is pain. Dr. Skinner posits that a lack of pain equates to death, raising questions about whether pain should be entirely eradicated.
Future Projects
DEADLINE: What inspires you currently?
WATANABE: I’m interested in creating a ghost story series, inspired by recent ghost-themed media, including The Exorcist.
[This interview was conducted through an interpreter and has been edited for length and clarity.]
