Keanu Reeves<\/a>\u2019 next role will be voicing the lead role in an animated samurai revenge movie.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Keanu Reeves\u2019 next role will be voicing the lead role in an animated samurai revenge movie<\/p>\n
The 61-year-old actor is heading into the world of stop-motion animation after signing on to voice the lead role in Hidari, the feature adaptation of Masashi Kawamura\u2019s viral animated short film.<\/p>\n
Keanu will voice legendary Edo-era craftsman Jingoro Hidari in the action fantasy project, which expands on Kawamura\u2019s proof-of-concept short released online in 2023. <\/p>\n
He said in a statement announcing the project: \u201cI\u2019m thrilled by the vision behind Hydra.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the proof of concept to the developed script, the team has created something truly extraordinary.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt has all the makings of an exceptional film \u2013 one I\u2019m excited to see and eager to be part of.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI believe this project has the potential to bring something very special to audiences worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe actor\u2019s involvement comes amid another busy period in his career following the continued global popularity of the John Wick series and growing anticipation surrounding future projects linked to the assassin franchise, including spin-offs and animation developments. <\/p>\n
\nKeanu has also recently returned to fan-favourite roles including Neo in The Matrix Resurrections and Shadow in upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog projects, while remaining one of Hollywood\u2019s most recognisable action stars following decades of work in films including Speed and Point Break.<\/p>\n
\nAccording to the official synopsis, Hidari follows Jingoro after he is betrayed by figures attempting to conceal secrets surrounding the reconstruction of Edo Castle. <\/p>\n
\nThe craftsman loses his father figure, fianc\u00e9e and even his right arm before embarking on a violent mission for revenge using mechanical prosthetic arms he designs himself.<\/p>\n
\nThe feature expands on Kawamura\u2019s original stop-motion short, which has attracted nearly five million views on YouTube since its release and generated international attention for its stylised action sequences and handcrafted visuals inspired by traditional Japanese carpentry and samurai cinema.<\/p>\n
\nMasashi, whose work spans commercials, television projects and music videos, said Keanu\u2019s enthusiasm for the project had helped push the film forward into full production.<\/p>\n
\nMasashi said: \u201cI\u2019m super excited to be collaborating with Keanu.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhen someone with his experience and creative vision watches your proof of concept and says, \u2018I want to be part of this\u2019, it\u2019s an incredible feeling.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe\u2019s not just lending his voice to Hidari, he\u2019s helping us shape and expand this world, and I can\u2019t wait to see where we take it together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nMasashi has become increasingly prominent internationally through experimental visual projects, including work connected to Osaka Expo 2025 and creative collaborations involving Lady Gaga. <\/p>\n
\nHis previous work has earned recognition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and an International Emmy nomination.<\/p>\n
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