Shinichirō Watanabe explores new territory with his latest project, Lazarus. Known for his science fiction and thrillers like Cowboy Bebop and Terror in Resonance, Watanabe is no stranger to genre-bending work. However, Lazarus marks his first foray into a globe-trotting, sci-fi spy thriller. The series follows a secret task force aiming to apprehend a brilliant scientist who poses a threat to humanity. Watanabe told Polygon last year that he only pursues projects that feel right to him, saying, "I have to feel like I want to do it. There are no shows in my filmography that I didn’t want to do."
The anime, which premiered on Adult Swim and Max, spans 13 episodes and focuses on a group of agents, including the 23-year-old convict Axel Gilberto. Their mission is to stop Dr. Deniz Skinner, whose miracle drug, Hapna, endangers humanity’s future.
Prior to the series’ debut, Watanabe discussed the themes of Lazarus, the process of finding the right musical collaborators for the anime’s futuristic setting, and how Axel would fare against his other iconic protagonist, Spike Spiegel. [Note: This interview has been edited for clarity.]
Polygon: Religion is heavily referenced in Lazarus. How do you weave in this theme with others in the series?
Shinichirō Watanabe: I wanted religious elements as a metaphor for human suffering and how religion often serves as a means of coping. In Lazarus, Hapna is a synthetic replacement for religion, seemingly capable of eliminating pain.
Exploring the spy thriller genre was new for me, though I’m a fan of classics like 007 and Mission: Impossible. I wanted to bring a fresh perspective rather than replicating those familiar formulas.
Watanabe’s latest work is rich with contemporary cultural references, including nods to the Avengers and SoundCloud, adding depth and relatability to the futuristic setting. “I’ve always kept an eye on international news for inspiration,” he said, citing how this approach influenced Cowboy Bebop.
Focusing on 13 episodes as opposed to 26 allowed the narrative to be more streamlined. “In a longer series, there’s room for fun, playful episodes, but this time, we had to stay focused,” Watanabe explained.
Reflecting on the soundtrack featuring artists like Bonobo and Kamasi Washington, Watanabe said their music added a futuristic dance groove vital for scenes of Axel’s daring escapades.
When asked what viewers should take away from Lazarus, Watanabe expressed a desire for audiences to form their own interpretations. He invites viewers to ponder the moral standing of Dr. Skinner’s actions, leaving it open for contemplation.
Lazarus is available for streaming on Max.
