Keanu Reeves Joins Stunning Stop-Motion Film ‘Hidari’ Set in Feudal Japan

There are passion projects, and then there are films that feel like they were pulled from a dream. ‘Hidari’ falls firmly into the latter category. Masashi Kawamura’s stop-motion samurai feature has been quietly gaining traction since a proof-of-concept short captivated audiences, and it has now secured one of Hollywood’s most recognizable names for its lead role.

The feature expands on Kawamura’s viral proof-of-concept short of the same name, which has garnered nearly 5 million views on YouTube since its release in 2023. This short provided a glimpse into something truly unique in animation, showcasing intricately crafted wooden characters brought to life through meticulous stop-motion work. It was enough to inspire a full-length feature film, and now that film has found its voice.

Keanu Reeves has officially joined the voice cast of ‘Hidari,’ with the announcement made at the Annecy Animation Showcase in Cannes. Reeves will voice the film’s protagonist, Jingoro Hidari, a near-mythic master carpenter from Japan’s Edo period. This role seems perfectly suited for an actor known for portraying quiet, grief-driven characters who become extraordinarily dangerous when pushed to their limits.

The narrative at the heart of ‘Hidari’ is deeply compelling. It follows Jingoro as he experiences profound loss—his father figure, fiancée, and right arm—due to a betrayal linked to the secret reconstruction of Edo Castle. He channels his grief into vengeance, wielding a series of mechanical prosthetic arms of his own design, alongside his loyal animated wooden companion, the Sleeping Cat.

This story is built on themes of loss and reinvention, and Kawamura has drawn parallels to another beloved franchise. In an interview with Deadline, he noted that the story has a ‘John Wick’ feel, centering around a lead character who transforms grief into vengeance. Given Reeves’ strong association with that franchise, the casting feels like a perfect alignment of creative energies.

Reeves expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m thrilled by the vision behind ‘Hidari.’ From the proof of concept to the developed script, the 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 shared his excitement about collaborating with Reeves, saying, “I’m super excited to be collaborating with Keanu. 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.”

While Masashi Kawamura may not be a household name in the West, his impressive resume showcases a creative force operating at the highest levels for years. His career includes commercials, music videos, and television, featuring projects like designing the dancing clones for Lady Gaga’s stage work and creating the largest pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025. His work has earned him a Cristal at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and an International Emmy Award nomination.

‘Hidari’ marks Kawamura’s first venture into stop-motion, a medium he has long desired to explore. The project is backed by a solid production team, including Noriko Matsumoto of Dwarf Studios, and is a collaboration between Dwarf Studios, Tokyo-based creative agency Whatever, and animation house TECARAT, with financing from Questry Co.’s Tomonobu Ibe.

The film is expected to be completed by 2029, with an estimated runtime of 90 minutes. This timeline reflects the immense labor involved in stop-motion production, where each frame requires meticulous physical manipulation of handcrafted wooden puppets. The patience required for such a film aligns beautifully with a story about a master craftsman.

For Reeves, ‘Hidari’ adds another chapter to his already impressive voice work, following recent animated roles that have expanded his creative range beyond action cinema. The combination of his star power and Kawamura’s unique visual imagination makes this one of the most intriguing animated projects currently in development worldwide.

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