Keanu Reeves enters samurai revenge world with animated stop-motion epic

Keanu Reeves is stepping into a stylised world of samurai vengeance, joining the upcoming stop-motion feature Hidari as the lead voice in a project expanding from a viral Japanese animated short.

The 61-year-old actor will voice Jingoro Hidari, a legendary Edo-era craftsman at the center of the revenge-driven fantasy, which is based on Masashi Kawamura’s 2023 proof-of-concept short film that gained global attention online.

Reeves described the project as a standout creative vision, praising the team behind the adaptation for building on the original concept with a developed script and expanded world.

“From the proof of concept to the developed script, the team has created something truly extraordinary,” he said in a statement. “It has all the makings of an exceptional film.”

He added that he is “excited to see and eager to be part of” the production, noting its potential to reach global audiences.

The story follows Jingoro Hidari after he is betrayed by powerful figures tied to the reconstruction of Edo Castle, leading to the loss of his loved ones and his right arm. He then crafts mechanical prosthetics and embarks on a violent path of revenge.

The original short film, released online in 2023, has amassed nearly five million views on YouTube and is widely praised for its handcrafted stop-motion style inspired by traditional Japanese carpentry and samurai cinema.

Reeves’ involvement adds another major role to a busy slate that includes continued expansion of the John Wick universe, ongoing fan interest in The Matrix franchise, and other high-profile voice and live-action projects.

Director Masashi Kawamura said Reeves’ participation helped elevate the project into full production, calling his engagement both creative and meaningful to the film’s development.

“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,” Kawamura said.

He added that Reeves is not only voicing the character but also contributing to shaping the world of the film.