Keanu Reeves will portray the main character in a new stop-motion Samurai called movie Hidari.
The film is based on a short film made by director Masashi Kawamura, which subsequently went viral online.
The story is based on Jingoro Hidari, a famous craftsman from Japan’s Edo period. After being betrayed by powerful people, he loses the people he loves and even his right arm. Seeking revenge, he uses his woodworking skills to create deadly mechanical weapons. He is also accompanied by a companion called the ‘Sleeping Cat’.
Reeves said he was impressed with the project and excited to be a part of it. “I am enthusiastic about the vision behind it Hidari,” Variety quoted Reeves, who sees potential in the project to become something very special for a global audience.
“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 that I love to see and want to be a part of. I believe this project has the potential to bring something very special to a global audience.”
Kawamura also said he is excited to work with Reeves and believes Reeves will help make Hidari’s world even bigger and better.
“I’m super excited to be working with Keanu. When someone with his experience and creative vision looks at 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 HidariHe’s helping us shape and expand this world, and I can’t wait to see where we go together.”
The film is produced by Noriko Matsumoto, whose studio has worked on popular Netflix projects including Rilakkuma And Kaoru.
The original Hidari The short film has been viewed almost 5 million times on YouTube as of 2023.
Kawamura is known for his work on commercials, music videos, TV projects and creative design, including work related to Expo 2025.
