Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves will voice the title character in Hidari, a Japanese stop-motion action feature directed by Masashi Kawamura.
The film was announced at Cannes and expands on Kawamura’s 2023 proof-of-concept short of the same name, which gained attention for its unique visual style and storytelling approach.
The story is inspired by the legend of Jingoro Hidari, a master carpenter from Japan’s Edo period.
It follows a craftsman who loses his father figure, fiancée, and right arm after a betrayal during the reconstruction of Edo Castle. Seeking revenge, he builds a prosthetic arm and embarks on a violent quest for justice.
Reeves expressed enthusiasm for the project, praising its creative vision and saying it has strong potential to become an exceptional film with global appeal.
He noted his excitement about joining the production from its early development stage.
Reeves has prior experience in voice acting, including roles in Toy Story 4 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and has also worked in production through his BRZRKR comic and Netflix projects.
Director Kawamura described Reeves’ involvement as a major creative boost, saying the actor is helping shape and expand the film’s world beyond just voice work.
The collaboration is expected to elevate the project as it moves toward full production. (ANI)
