Keanu Reeves to Star in HIDARI, a Japanese Stop-Motion Action Film Inspired by Legendary Sculptor Jingoro Hidari
Keanu Reeves is joining the cast of HIDARI, an upcoming Japanese stop-motion action film that blends Edo-period legend, revenge drama, handcrafted animation, and high-energy modern style. The beloved action star will play the title role of Jingoro Hidari, a mysterious and legendary sculptor whose name has been tied to some of Japan’s most famous wood carvings.
The casting was confirmed by Dwarf Studios after the HIDARI pilot film was presented at the Annecy Animation Showcase. Director Masashi Kawamura and producer Noriko Matsumoto spoke about the project and revealed that Reeves will lead the full-length feature.
Reeves shared his excitement for the film, praising the creative vision behind HIDARI and describing the project as something extraordinary. He said the proof of concept and developed script showed the makings of an exceptional movie, adding that he believes the film could bring something special to audiences around the world.
The HIDARI pilot first appeared online in 2023 as a proof of concept designed to attract funding and production partners for a feature film. Its distinctive visual style immediately stood out: a mix of Japanese anime influence, stop-motion craftsmanship, and wood-carved puppets that gives the story a unique identity.
Kawamura revealed that John Wick was one of the films that influenced the pilot and screenplay. While imagining the future of HIDARI, he made a personal dream list of actors he hoped might one day join the project. Keanu Reeves was the first name on that list.
The director admitted he never expected Reeves to actually become part of the film. Now that it has happened, he said the entire team is more motivated than ever to create something memorable with him.
The project received major early support through crowdfunding, raising more than 15 million yen and helping the film move forward into production. However, HIDARI is still seeking additional funding partners as work continues on the ambitious feature-length version.
The story of HIDARI is inspired by Jingoro Hidari, a legendary Japanese sculptor said to have lived during the Edo period. Although historians still debate whether he truly existed, works attributed to him can be found in many locations across Japan. One of the most famous is “The Sleeping Cat” at Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
In this original reimagining, Jingoro Hidari is betrayed during the reconstruction of Edo Castle. After losing his father figure, his fiancée, and his right arm, he transforms his pain into a mission of revenge. To survive and fight back, he creates a deadly mechanical prosthetic arm and sets out on a brutal path toward justice, accompanied by his loyal “Sleeping Cat.”
Kawamura has described the film as an attempt to combine Japanese anime with stop-motion animation while pushing the limits of what can be done with wood-carved puppets. That handcrafted approach gives HIDARI a striking look rarely seen in modern animated films, especially in action-focused storytelling.
The film will also feature a bold musical identity, combining traditional Japanese instruments with hip-hop beats by Spin Master A-1. This mix of old and new matches the film’s larger creative vision: a historical Japanese revenge tale told with contemporary energy and international appeal.
Full-length stop-motion films are rare because they require enormous time, patience, and craftsmanship. HIDARI appears to be embracing that challenge with a clear artistic direction, a strong central character, and now a globally recognized star at the center of its cast.
HIDARI is currently aiming for completion in 2029. The full film will be produced in English, positioning it for a worldwide audience eager for fresh action animation, Japanese folklore-inspired storytelling, and another compelling performance from Keanu Reeves.
