Keanu Reeves is in samurai mode.
The actor will play the lead voice in Masashi Kawamura’s stop-motion feature film Hidari, which is an expansion of his viral proof-of-concept short film.
This action-packed feature is inspired by the account of the life of legendary Edo period craftsman Hidari Jingoro, voiced by Reeves.
Jingoro loses everything as he is betrayed by those who want to keep the secret of rebuilding Edo Castle hidden. His father figure, his fiance, and his right-hand man. A legendary craftsman who is brought to the brink of despair turns his sadness into an unyielding desire for revenge. Armed with extraordinary carpentry skills and a set of deadly mechanical prosthetics, Jingoro carves his own path to justice. Along with his faithful companion, the Sleeping Cat, he confronts his enemies in a gripping tale of revenge and self-discovery.
“I’m excited about the vision behind ‘Hidari,'” Reeves said. “From the proof of concept to the script developed, the team has created something truly extraordinary. It has all the ingredients for an extraordinary film. I’m excited to see it and want to be a part of it. I believe this project has the potential to bring something very special to audiences around the world.”
Kawamura added, “I’m so excited to be collaborating with Keanu. It’s an incredible feeling when someone with his experience and creative vision looks at your proof of concept and says, ‘I want to be a part of this.’ He’s not only lending his voice to the left, he’s helping us shape and expand this world. I can’t wait to see where we go together.”
The movie “Left” was produced by Noriko Matsumoto. Mr. Matsumoto helped the Netflix series Rilakkuma garner widespread attention and popularity, positioning Dwarf Studio as one of the first studios in Japan to collaborate with a global streamer. Her latest project, the short film “Bottle George,” was shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars.
The original short film has garnered nearly 5 million views on YouTube since its release in 2023.
Kawamura’s resume includes cloning Lady Gaga and designing the largest pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, as well as commercials, music videos and TV shows. His projects have received worldwide recognition, including a Crystal Award at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, an International Emmy Award nomination, and top awards at The One Show, Clio, and more.
Reeves is repped by WME.
