Keanu Reeves is set to lead the voice cast in Japanese animation director Masashi Kawamura's feature film Hidari.
According to Deadline Hollywood, the announcement was made at the Annecy Animation Showcase in Cannes on Sunday morning. The film is an expansion of Kawamura's viral stop-motion short of the same name.
The feature draws from accounts of life during Japan's Edo era, featuring swords, honour, and hand-crafted animation. Kawamura's original short gained significant online attention, and the full-length film is expected to generate considerable interest.
This represents a notable shift for Reeves, whose career has centered on live-action blockbusters, including the Matrix franchise, with recent ventures into video game voice work. His deadpan delivery combined with Japanese animation marks a distinctive pairing.
The collaboration reflects a broader trend of major Hollywood talent working on international animation projects. Reeves' global recognition and Kawamura's directorial reputation position Hidari for wide reach across festival circuits and streaming platforms.
The full voice cast, release date, and plot details have not yet been disclosed.
