Shinichirō Watanabe has ventured into new territory with his work on Lazarus. While the acclaimed 59-year-old director, known for anime classics like Cowboy Bebop and Space Dandy, is no stranger to the realms of science fiction and suspense thrillers, a globe-spanning sci-fi spy narrative centered on stopping a genius scientist from wiping out humanity is a fresh undertaking for him. Reflecting on this creative choice, Watanabe shared with Polygon last year, "I would’ve done [more Bebop] if it felt right. I have to feel like I want to do it. There are no shows in my filmography that I didn’t want to do."
This 13-episode anime, which debuted on Adult Swim and Max, follows a team of agents, including Axel Gilberto, a daring 23-year-old ex-con, as they attempt to capture Dr. Deniz Skinner. A Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Skinner is responsible for Hapna, a groundbreaking pharmaceutical that threatens humanity’s future.
Ahead of the show’s release, Watanabe, speaking through an interpreter, delved into the series’ themes, the collaborative process of crafting its futuristic soundscape, and pondered hypothetically about how Axel would compare in a clash with another of Watanabe’s rugged protagonists.
When asked about the religious references in Lazarus, particularly an opening sequence, Watanabe explained that these serve as metaphors for human suffering and our attempts to alleviate it. "In Lazarus, I wanted to replace that religion with Hapna," he said. By including a multitude of religious depictions, the series avoids focusing on any one belief system, thus steering clear of potential criticism for misrepresentation.
The unique melding of genres in Lazarus was also a new experience for Watanabe. Influenced by classics such as James Bond and Mission: Impossible, he added his unique twist, expressing a desire to innovate rather than simply reproduce what’s been done before.
The series also incorporates contemporary cultural elements, referencing phenomena like the Avengers and SoundCloud to ground the futuristic setting with relatable, real-world touches. Watanabe, an avid consumer of international news, often draws inspiration from current events.
Discussing the series length, Watanabe mentioned that the original commission called for 13 episodes. This streamlined format required a more focused narrative, unlike his previous works which allowed for diversions and humor-filled episodes. A concise series, he noted, helped concentrate the story-telling and creativity.
Lazarus shares thematic echoes with Cowboy Bebop and Carole & Tuesday, featuring familiar technology and character types. When asked about this recurrence, Watanabe humorously attributed it to his personal creative inclinations.
The anime’s music plays a crucial role in setting its tone. Watanabe, a fan of Bonobo, Kamasi Washington, and Floating Points, wanted a fresh, futuristic dance vibe, particularly for Axel’s action scenes. Kamasi Washington’s addition brought a jazzy richness to the audio landscape.
Reflecting on potential interactions between his characters, Watanabe mused over a hypothetical showdown between Lazarus’s Axel and Cowboy Bebop’s Spike, acknowledging the difficulty in predicting the outcome due to their distinct strengths.
Ultimately, Watanabe wants viewers to form their own opinions after watching Lazarus, particularly regarding Dr. Skinner’s controversial actions. Lazarus is available to stream on Max.
