Keanu Reeves Joins the Voice Cast of Masashi Kawamura’s Edo Era Animation ‘Hidari’
Keanu Reeves to Star in Masashi Kawamura’s Animated Feature Adaptation of Hidari
Keanu Reeves has joined the voice cast of Japanese director Masashi Kawamura’s eagerly anticipated animated feature film, inspired by the director’s viral stop-motion short, Hidari. The announcement was made during the Annecy Animation Showcase held in Cannes on Sunday morning.
Set against the backdrop of Japan’s Edo period, the film follows the remarkable life of craftsman Jingoro Hidari. According to Reeves, who expressed his excitement for the project, “I’m thrilled by the vision behind Hidari. From the proof of concept to the developed script, the team has created something truly extraordinary. It has all the makings of an exceptional film—one I’m excited to see and eager to be part of. I believe this project has the potential to bring something very special to audiences worldwide.”
Kawamura’s original short, which the feature adapts, has amassed nearly five million views on YouTube since its release in 2023. The film’s official synopsis elaborates on the gripping narrative: “Betrayed by those desperate to bury the secrets of Edo Castle’s reconstruction, Jingoro loses everything. His father figure, fiancée, and even his right arm. On the brink of despair, the legendary craftsman transforms his grief into an unyielding drive for vengeance. Armed with his extraordinary carpentry skills and a series of lethal mechanical prosthetic arms, Jingoro carves his own path to justice. With his loyal companion, the Sleeping Cat, he faces his enemies in a gripping tale of revenge and self-discovery.”
Produced by Noriko Matsumoto under dwarf studios in collaboration with Whatever and Tecarat production, the film’s financing is led by Questry Co.’s Tomonobu Ibe, a prominent figure in entertainment content finance in Japan.
Matsumoto has positioned dwarf studios as a pioneer in collaborating with global streaming platforms, with notable projects including the popular Netflix series Rilakkuma. Her most recent work, the short film Bottle George, has also gained recognition, having been shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars.
Kawamura’s diverse career spans commercials, music videos, and television, highlighted by projects such as creating clones for Lady Gaga and designing the largest pavilion for the Osaka Expo 2025. His work has received international praise, including a Cristal at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and a nomination for an International Emmy Award.
In discussing his collaboration with Reeves, Kawamura stated, “I’m super excited to be collaborating with Keanu. When someone with his experience and creative vision watches your proof of concept and says ‘I want to be part of this,’ it’s an incredible feeling. He’s not just lending his voice to Hidari, he’s helping us shape and expand this world, and I can’t wait to see where we take it together.”
