Keanu Reeves Joins Stop-Motion Samurai Epic HIDARI and It's Going To Be Awesome!
Keanu Reeves keeps finding cool projects to jump into, and his latest one sounds like a perfect match for fans of samurai action and stop-motion animation. Reeves has officially signed on to voice the lead character in Hidari, a feature adaptation of filmmaker Masashi Kawamura’s badass 2023 short film.
The movie is inspired by the legend of Jingorō Hidari, a real historical figure from Japan’s Edo period who was known as an architect, sculptor, and entertainer. Kawamura’s version takes that foundation and spins it into a revenge-fueled samurai fantasy packed with mechanical prosthetics, sword fights, and handcrafted stop-motion visuals.
In the story, Hidari sets out on a violent mission after losing both his father figure and fiancée. He also loses his right arm, which he replaces with a series of mechanical prosthetic weapons. Alongside his wooden companion, Sleeping Cat, he hunts down the people responsible while uncovering a larger conspiracy tied to the rebuilding of Edo Castle.
If you saw the original short film, you already know how incredible the animation style looks. The stop-motion work has this rough, tactile energy that makes every movement hit harder, especially during the action scenes. Expanding that concept into a full-length movie with Reeves attached feels like a seriously exciting next step.
Reeves shared his excitement for the project in a press release, saying: “From the proof of concept to the developed script, the [Hidari] 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 is just as thrilled to have Reeves involved, explaining: “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.”
That collaboration makes this project worth keeping an eye on. Reeves already has plenty of experience with action-heavy characters, but seeing him step into a stop-motion samurai adventure feels fresh in the best possible way.
There’s no release date yet for Hidari, but between the stunning animation style, the revenge-driven story, and Reeves leading the charge, this could end up being one of the coolest animated genre films on the horizon.