Keanu Reeves Joins Voice Cast of Japanese Stop-Motion Samurai Epic “Hidari”

At the Annecy Animation Showcase in Cannes, it was announced that actor Keanu Reeves will provide the voice of the titular character in “Hidari,” a feature-length stop-motion film directed by Masashi Kawamura. The project expands Kawamura’s 2023 proof-of-concept short of the same name into a full narrative centered on the Edo-era craftsman Jingoro Hidari. Production is being led by Noriko Matsumoto under the banner of Dwarf Studios, in partnership with Tokyo-based agency Whatever, animation house TECART, and financing partner Questry Co. led by Tomonobu Ibe. No release date has been set.

Express Tribune

Kawamura’s original short, released on YouTube in 2023, amassed close to 5 million views, giving the concept rare visibility for an animated short. The story draws loosely from historical accounts of Jingoro Hidari, a master carpenter, sculptor and comedian of the Edo period, reimagined as a vengeful samurai who fashions lethal mechanical prosthetic arms after losing his right arm, father figure, and fiancée in a betrayal linked to the secret reconstruction of Edo Castle. The feature retains the “Sleeping Cat,” a wooden companion that aids Hidari’s quest for justice.

Express Tribune

• Keanu Reeves – lead voice actor, represented by WME.

Hollywood Reporter

• Masashi Kawamura – director, writer, known for award-winning music videos, large-scale installations (e.g., Osaka Expo 2025 pavilion), and collaborations with pop artist Lady Gaga.

Hollywood Reporter

• Noriko Matsumoto – producer; positioned Dwarf Studios as an early Japanese studio to work with global streamers, notably the Netflix series “Rilakkuma.”

Hollywood Reporter

• Dwarf Studios – Japanese animation house; co-producer of the Oscar-shortlisted short “Bottle George.”

Hollywood Reporter

• Questry Co. – entertainment-content finance firm; Tomonobu Ibe serves as financing partner.

Deadline Hollywood

• YouTube views of the original short: ? 5 million.

Keanu Reeves to lead voice cast in Hidari feature film extension — Mogaz

• Kawamura’s accolades: Cristal at the Annecy International Animation Festival (2010), International Emmy nomination, top honors at the One Show and Clio Awards.

Variety Magazine

• Dwarf Studios’ prior successes: Netflix’s “Rilakkuma” series (global popularity) and “Bottle George” (2025 Academy Awards shortlist).

Deadline Hollywood

Reeves expressed enthusiasm for the project’s vision, noting that the team’s work from concept to script is “truly extraordinary” and that the film has the potential to offer something special to worldwide audiences. Kawamura highlighted the significance of Reeves’ involvement, describing it as an “incredible feeling” that elevates the film beyond a simple voice role and helps shape the world of Hidari. Matsumoto emphasized the film’s international ambition, citing Dwarf Studios’ track record of collaborating with global platforms.

Keanu Reeves to lead voice cast in Hidari feature film extension — Mogaz

No dissenting commentary or criticism has been reported in the available sources.

Deadline Hollywood

All sources agree on the casting and production details; the only unresolved element is the absence of a confirmed release date.

Keanu Reeves to Voice Lead Character in Masashi Kawamura’s Stop-Motion Movie ‘Hidari’

• “I’m thrilled by the vision behind Hidari.” — Keanu Reeves, actor

Deadline Hollywood

• “It has all the makings of an exceptional film—one I’m excited to see and eager to be part of.” — Keanu Reeves

Deadline Hollywood

• “I’m super excited to be collaborating with Keanu.” — Masashi Kawamura, director

Deadline Hollywood

• “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.” — Masashi Kawamura

Express Tribune

The collaboration bridges Hollywood star power with Japanese stop-motion craftsmanship, potentially expanding the global market for Japanese animated features and showcasing the viability of internet-viral concepts as full-length productions.

Hollywood Reporter

Production continues under the Dwarf Studios-Whatever-TECART partnership, with financing secured by Questry Co. Future announcements are expected to detail a release window and distribution strategy, likely involving major streaming platforms given the studio’s Netflix ties.

Deadline Hollywood