Do you like movies with stop-motion animation, samurai, or Keanu Reeves? If you answered “yes” to either, you may be interested in Hidari, an upcoming stop-motion movie that just landed Reeves in the lead role.
Directed and written by Masashi Kawamura, the film is a feature-length version of his 2023 samurai short film about Jingorō Hidari. In real life, Hidari was a man of many talents during Japan’s Edo period, including an architect, sculptor, and comedian. Kawamura’s film is loosely based on Hidari’s legend and will portray him as a man out for revenge after the death of his father figure and fiancee and the loss of his right arm. Having replaced his lost arm with a variety of mechanical prosthetics, Hidari and his wooden Sleeping Cat companion will hunt down those responsible and learn how it all connects to the reconstruction of Edo Castle.
“From the proof of concept to the developed script, the [Hidari] team has created something truly extraordinary,” said Reeves in a press release. “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.”
Likewise, Kawamura is “super excited” to team with Reeves on his film. “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.”
Look for the Keanu Reeves-led Hidari to hit theaters in the near future.
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