Keanu Reeves Joins Samurai Stop-Motion Film After Pilot Video

The short proof-of-concept video for the upcoming feature has accumulated roughly 5.3 million views on YouTube. That online traction helped launch a stop-motion samurai epic titled Hidari, which is currently in active development. The film also attracted the attention of major Hollywood talent, including Keanu Reeves, who was announced as the lead voice actor in May.

Masashi Kawamura, the creator, writer, and director of Hidari, detailed the casting process at the Tokyo International Film Festival. He revealed that Reeves watched the pilot film before his casting was publicized. The filmmakers had previously crafted the character based on a specific visual blend. Kawamura stated that they asked for a combination of Toshiro Mifune and Keanu Reeves, aged, to guide the puppet design.

Once the producers secured a way to contact the actor, they arranged for him to view the pilot material. Kawamura noted that the team received a response approximately one week later. The reply was a request to schedule a video call. Kawamura observed how quickly the modern process moved, noting that Reeves appeared on the screen during their subsequent conversation.

The project has also drawn interest from international directors. S.S. Rajamouli, known for the film RRR, met Kawamura at the Annecy animation festival. The two discussed the production methods for about 30 minutes. Rajamouli expressed surprise at the execution, asking how the team managed to create such a complex work. Kawamura emphasized that such encounters are a unique benefit of attending film festivals, where creators can connect with peers who rarely cross paths in other industries.

The initial short film was produced about three years ago. The team financed it themselves using personal funds and crowdfunding efforts. Kawamura described the project as austere, combining wood carving, stop-motion animation, and period drama elements. He argued that a written proposal alone would not have conveyed the unique nature of the film to potential backers.

The filmmakers are currently seeking grants and partnerships with overseas distributors to cover the substantial budget. They pitched the project at the Annecy Animation Showcase, part of the Cannes Film Market. The physical puppet they carried drew large crowds, attracting interest from live-action fans as well as animation professionals. Ogawa Iku, a co-director from Dwarf Studios, noted that the technique remains niche in commercial media but is well-represented in festival circuits.

Earlier this month, producer Noriko Matsumoto reported that negotiations with a U.S. company stalled. That company had offered to fund the entire budget in exchange for all rights. The team is proceeding with an indie approach to manage the project's timeline and funding needs.