Keanu Reeves Joins the Voice Cast of Edo Period Stop-Motion Film
Keanu Reeves is set to take on a new voice-acting role in an upcoming Japanese stop-motion samurai film titled Hidari. He will be lending his voice to the character Hidari Jingoro, a craftsman from the Edo period. This new project marks a unique addition to Reeves’ already impressive list of voice acting roles.
Reeves has previously worked as a voice actor in several major films. His notable performances include voicing Duke Caboom in Pixar’s Toy Story 4 and Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Now, he is stepping into another distinctive role in a film that he has described as exceptional.
The announcement of Keanu Reeves joining the cast of Hidari came during the Cannes Film Festival at the Annecy Animation Showcase. Although the release date has not yet been confirmed, the casting of Reeves has generated excitement among fans and industry professionals alike. The actor expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“From the proof of concept to the developed script, the team has created something truly extraordinary,” the actor said in a statement by the production. “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.”
Production Team and Background of the Project
The film is being produced by Noriko Matsumoto, head of Dwarf Studios. The project is also being co-developed by Tokyo-based studio Whatever and animation studio Tecarat. Originally released as a proof-of-concept short on YouTube in 2023, Hidari gained over 5 million views and received praise across several international film festivals.
The success of the short film led to the development of a full-length adaptation, which is now in production. The story follows Hidari Jingoro, a craftsman from the Edo period who faces betrayal during the reconstruction of Edo Castle. As a result, he loses his father, fiancée, and right arm. Using mechanical prosthetics made through his carpentry skills, Jingoro embarks on a revenge journey alongside his wooden companion, “Sleeping Cat.”
The script for the movie was written by director Masashi Kawamura. According to Kawamura, the project will be a 90-minute feature film with Keanu Reeves playing the lead role of Hidari. The original short film was praised for its striking wood sculpture stop-motion style and intricately carved puppets. After three years of development, the full-length adaptation is finally moving forward.
What to Expect from the Film
The film promises to be a visually stunning experience, blending traditional Japanese storytelling with modern stop-motion animation techniques. With a strong production team and a well-known actor like Keanu Reeves on board, Hidari is expected to attract attention from both domestic and international audiences.
Fans of Reeves are eagerly anticipating the release of the film, especially given his previous work in similar genres. The combination of a compelling narrative, unique visual style, and a renowned voice actor makes Hidari a project worth watching.
As more details about the film are revealed, it is clear that Hidari has the potential to become a significant addition to the world of animated films. Whether you’re a fan of Keanu Reeves or simply interested in innovative storytelling, this project is one to keep an eye on.
