Shinichiro Watanabe Discusses ‘Lazarus’ and the Real-World Parallels of His Latest Sci-Fi Anime

Renowned anime creator Shinichiro Watanabe, best known for genre-defining works like ‘Cowboy Bebop’ and ‘Samurai Champloo,’ returns to science fiction with his latest project, ‘Lazarus.’ The series, which is available on Max and airs on Adult Swim, is set in the year 2055. It revolves around a miracle drug developed by a now-missing doctor. Three years after its introduction, the doctor reappears with a grim revelation: the drug has a three-year half-life, and its users will die within 30 days unless a cure is found.

Watanabe’s work is known for blending genres and cultural influences, and ‘Lazarus’ continues that trend. He collaborated with ‘John Wick’ director Chad Stahelski to create dynamic action sequences. The anime draws on Watanabe’s cinematic inspirations, including films like ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘2001: A Space Odyssey.’ In an interview conducted via interpreters, Watanabe highlighted his aim to ground this story more firmly in our real world, only 30 years into the future. He also emphasized the multicultural nature of his characters, a creative decision influenced by his early viewing of the original ‘Blade Runner.’

‘Lazarus’ reflects Watanabe’s growing concern about modern society, suggesting that real-world developments might be more dystopian than fiction.