The name MAPPA has everyone’s light up lately since the studio has contributed a lot of anime that has stayed in fans’ hearts. Now, if you were told that the director of Cowboy Bebop was in charge of a MAPPA anime, how would you react? If that lit your eyes with expectation, then you’re in for a treat because MAPPA is bringing in Lazarus, an original anime to be directed by Shinichiro Watanabe. Word has it that the John Wick director is involved in much of the anime production, so mark your calendars, folks!
In this article, we’ll go into everything you need to know about the upcoming anime Lazarus, from the release date to the visuals to the cast and even the plot of the anime.
Release Date of MAPPA’s Lazarus Anime
The original TV anime Lazarus will be released on the 5th of April, 2025, on Adult Swim during the Toonami block. This is the English language premiere, the Japanese version of the anime will be released in a maximum of thirty days after the premiere of the English version.
Tweet Loading…
The anime is set to premiere in Japan on TV Tokyo in April. The exact date for the same will be intimated at a later date. Lazarus is listed to have 13 episodes and will likely have a normal runtime of 23 minutes.
Lazarus – Main Cast and Staff
The most noteworthy cast who is working on Lazarus is Shinichiro Watanabe, the popular director, who is notable for his work in Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Terror in Resonance. Chad Stahelski, the director of John Wick, will supervise the action scenes of the anime. As for the Japanese cast, keep your eyes out for Miyano Mamoru, who will be voicing the main character, Axel. Miyano Mamoru is well known for the role of Osamu Dazai in Bungou Stray Dogs.
Here’s a list of the English and Japanese cast for the anime Lazarus:
English Cast:
| Staff | Role | Other Popular Works |
| Jack Stansbury | Axel | Hoshino Aquamarine (Oshi no Ko) |
| Jovvan Jackson | Doug | Nyanta (Log Horizon) |
| Luci Christian | Christine | Uraraka Ochako (My Hero Academia) |
| Bryson Baugus | Leland | Nagi Seishiro (Blue Lock) |
| Annie Wild | Elaina | Chimera (Ragna Crimson) |
| David Matranga | Dr. Skinner | Shoto Todoroki (My Hero Academia) |
| Jade Kelly | Hersch | Crimson (Ragna Crimson) |
| Sean Patrick Judge | Abel | Olaf (Vinland Saga) |
Japanese Cast:
| Staff | Role | Other Popular Works |
| Miyano Mamoru | Axel | Osamu Dazai (Bungou Stray Dogs), Matsuoka Rin (Free!) |
| Furukawa Makoto | Doug | Saitama (One Punch Man), U-Jin Cheol (Solo Leveling) |
| Uchida Maaya | Christine | Norman (Promised Neverland) |
| Uchida Yuuma | Leland | Fushiguro Megumi (Jujutsu Kaisen), Mikage Reo (Blue Lock) |
| Iwami Manaka | Elaina | Honda Tohru (Fruits Basket), Akane Kurokawa (Oshi no Ko) |
| Yamadera Kouichi | Dr. Skinner | Beerus (Dragon Ball) |
| Hayashibara Megumi | Hersch | Saotome Ranma (Ranma 1/2) |
| Ootsuka Akio | Abel | Kyoraku Shunsui (Bleach) |
Lazarus: Visual and PV
The latest visual for Lazarus was released on the 28th of February and featured all the main characters: Axel, Christine, Eleina, Doug, and Leland.
Shortly after this, the trailer for the anime was also released by Adult Swim and MAPPA on YouTube, X(formerly Twitter), and many other platforms. The trailer quickly briefs the viewers on the plot and introduces them to the main characters of the anime.
The trailer ended, revealing the premiere date of the anime to be the 5th of April, midnight. It can be watched on Toonami and Max (on the next day).
What Is Lazarus About?
The original anime Lazarus is set in the year 2052, a year when humans were quite well-to-do and healthy until the major discovery of a scientist, Dr. Skinner, leads everyone to doom. Dr. Skinner developed a miracle drug named Hapuna, which could cure all kinds of pain and sicknesses. He won a Nobel Prize for this and erased his existence for a few years.
Three years later, Dr. Skinner resurfaced with a dire announcement for mankind. The miracle drug, Hapuna, which had become ubiquitous, supposedly had a major flaw – it would supposedly kill all humans three years after they consumed it. He also added that he knew the cure for the ailment. However, mankind would have to catch him to get the cure, which proved to be no easy task. This led to the formation of the special force, Lazarus, which tasked themselves with finding Doctor Skinner so they could get their hands on the cure and save mankind.
Where To Watch Lazarus?
Lazarus will premiere on the 5th of April, 2025. It can be streamed on Adult Swim. The episodes will also be released on Max on the following day.
The Japanese version of the anime will also be available on Adult Swim. The release date of the Japanese version has not been revealed yet as of now.
About Lazarus
Lazarus is an upcoming original anime series that is set to be directed by Shinichiro Watanabe and will be produced by MAPPA. The director of John Wick, Chad Stahelski, is working on the action pieces.
Adult Swin describes the story: The year is 2052 – an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity prevails across the globe. The reason for this: mankind has been freed from sickness and pain. Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner has developed a miracle cure-all drug with no apparent drawbacks called Hapuna. Hapuna soon becomes ubiquitous… and essential. However, soon after Hapuna is officially introduced, Dr. Skinner vanishes.
Three years later, the world has moved on. But Dr. Skinner has returned – this time, as a harbinger of doom. Skinner announces that Hapuna has a short half-life. Everyone who has taken it will die approximately three years later. Death is coming for this sinful world – and coming soon.
As a response to this threat, a special task force of 5 agents is gathered from across the world to save humanity from Skinner’s plan. This group is called “Lazarus.” Can they find Skinner and develop a vaccine before time runs out?
No Comments on MAPPA’s Original Anime, Lazarus, is All Set to Conquer Spring 2025 Season