Keanu Reeves is set to star in Hidari, a full-length stop-motion samurai film produced by Japan's Dwarf Studios. The announcement, made during a presentation at the Annecy Animation Showcase as part of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival, highlights the project's growing momentum following the success of its acclaimed pilot short. This feature-length adaptation aims to bring a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and high-stakes action to audiences worldwide.
The film centers on a reimagined tale rooted in Edo-period legends, with Reeves voicing the protagonist in what promises to be a visually stunning revenge saga. Directed by Masashi Kawamura, Hidari combines intricate stop-motion animation techniques with a narrative filled with betrayal, prosthetic weaponry, and large-scale mechanical confrontations. Dwarf Studios, known for its meticulous handcrafted productions, is expanding into feature filmmaking with this title, building directly on the foundation laid by the pilot that has drawn global attention since its 2023 release.
The pilot episode of Hidari quickly gained traction online, accumulating millions of views on YouTube and receiving recognition at multiple international animation festivals. Its distinctive wooden puppets and fluid action choreography demonstrated the potential for a full feature, which is slated to run about 90 minutes. The entire production will be in English, designed to appeal to both anime enthusiasts and mainstream international viewers upon its eventual release.
What is Hidari about?
The description of Hidari's story, taken directly from the film's official website, reads as follows:
A skilled carpenter/sculptor Jingoro, gets set up by his disciples and loses his right arm and his father in an 'accident' during the reconstruction of the Edo Castle. A few decades later… Jingoro is continuing his journey of revenge with his partner “Sleeping Cat” and his weaponized prosthetic arm. People have come to call him Jingoro 'Hidari,' which means 'left' in Japanese. Jingoro defeats all the foes that has betrayed him, but he learns that Tokugawa Shogunate was behind the murderous event. He searches for clues on who was behind the whole set up, and fights with an army of mechanical soldiers along the way. Finally he confronts the mastermind behind all the killings, but first, he must save the city of Edo by stopping the Edo Castle, now turned into a gigantic weapon of mass destruction!
This tale draws inspiration from historical legends surrounding the real Jingoro Hidari, known for his lifelike animal carvings said to come alive at night. The film reimagines these stories through a lens of vengeance and technological spectacle, featuring elaborate puppetry and detailed sets that capture the essence of Edo-period Japan while incorporating fantastical elements.
In terms of production, the team is assembling top talent from across the industry. Kawamura not only directs but also pens the screenplay. Iku Ogawa, recognized for work on Pokémon Concierge, serves as co-director and contributes to character designs alongside Takeshi Yashiro, who additionally oversees wood carving and art direction. Producers include Yūsuke Tominaga, Masami Ouchi, and Noriko Matsumoto, among others. The project collaborates closely with TECARAT for the creation of wooden puppets and Kawamura's Whatever Co. studio, which handles script, direction, art direction, and promotional efforts.
The film project maintains an active Kickstarter campaign that has garnered 15,255,294 yen, equivalent to roughly US$95,961, from 1,419 backers. According to a September 5 update on the platform, the production team anticipates needing around four years once full funding and approval are secured. Reports indicate the English-language feature is currently targeted for completion in 2029.
Beyond crowdfunding, the initiative has secured backing from Questry, a financial startup specializing in asset management for Japan's entertainment and content sectors. Efforts continue to attract additional partners and investment to support the ambitious feature-length version.
This multifaceted approach underscores the dedication required for stop-motion craftsmanship on such a scale, where every frame demands meticulous manual adjustment of puppets and environments. As development progresses, Hidari stands out as a promising fusion of traditional techniques and modern storytelling, with Keanu Reeves' involvement adding star power to an already distinctive project.
Source: Press Release
