Keanu Reeves to Voice Lead in Stop-Motion Samurai Movie ‘Hidari’
Keanu Reeves will voice the lead character in 'Hidari,' a stop-motion samurai film directed by Masashi Kawamura. The movie expands on Kawamura's viral short film and follows the story of Jingoro Hidari, a legendary Edo-era craftsman seeking vengeance. Reeves expressed enthusiasm for the project's vision, while Kawamura praised Reeves' creative involvement in shaping the film.
- ▪Keanu Reeves will voice Jingoro Hidari, a legendary Edo-era craftsman in the stop-motion film 'Hidari.'
- ▪The film is based on a viral proof-of-concept short by director Masashi Kawamura that has garnered nearly 5 million YouTube views.
- ▪Jingoro Hidari, betrayed and mutilated, seeks revenge using lethal mechanical prosthetic arms and is accompanied by a character called the 'Sleeping Cat.'
- ▪Noriko Matsumoto, producer of 'Hidari,' previously worked on the Netflix series 'Rilakkuma' and had her short film 'Bottle George' shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars.
- ▪Masashi Kawamura has directed commercials, music videos, and major installations, earning accolades including a Cristal at Annecy and an International Emmy nomination.
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Home Film Global May 17, 2026 2:30am PT Keanu Reeves to Voice Lead in Stop-Motion Samurai Movie ‘Hidari’ By Alex Ritman Plus Icon Alex Ritman @alexritman Latest ‘Slow Horses’ Banner See-Saw Signs $50 Million Multi-Year Film Financing Deal With Entourage Ventures (EXCLUSIVE) 11 hours ago Javier Bardem Gets Cannes Love for ‘The Beloved,’ Landing 7-Minute Ovation 14 hours ago Jaime King and Natasha Lyonne Team for ‘Pet Sematary’ Director Mary Lambert’s Dark Comedy Thriller ‘Darlene’ (EXCLUSIVE) 20 hours ago See All John Nacion/Variety Keanu Reeves is getting into samurai mode. The actor is set to voice the lead in “Hidari,” the stop-motion feature from Masashi Kawamura that he’s expanded from his viral proof-of-concept short film.
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