Adult Swim unleashes its most ambitious anime project yet with Lazarus, a high-octane sci-fi thriller from legendary director Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo). This visually stunning series follows a team of genetically enhanced operatives who must stop a world-ending virus in a future where resurrection technology has blurred the line between life and death. With its signature blend of philosophical depth and pulse-pounding action, Lazarus promises to redefine adult-oriented anime with its dystopian vision and jazz-infused soundtrack.
The English and Japanese voice casts feature an all-star lineup of industry veterans and rising talents. From Mamoru Miyano’s electrifying lead performance to Megumi Hayashibara’s haunting turn as a rogue scientist, each actor brings unparalleled intensity to this dark sci-fi epic. Early footage has already generated massive buzz for its breathtaking animation sequences and morally complex storytelling that questions the very nature of human existence.
Complete Voice Cast Breakdown
1: Mamoru Miyano as Axel (Japanese) / Jack Stansbury as Axel (English)
Anime superstar Mamoru Miyano (Death Note, Attack on Titan) delivers a career-defining performance as Axel, the amnesiac operative at the story’s center. Miyano’s signature vocal range perfectly captures Axel’s journey from disoriented test subject to reluctant hero, blending raw vulnerability with explosive intensity during combat sequences.
English voice actor Jack Stansbury (Arcane, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners) matches Miyano’s energy beat-for-beat, bringing his own gritty interpretation to the role. Stansbury’s background in action games shines during Axel’s brutal hand-to-hand combat scenes, while his emotional delivery anchors the character’s existential crises.
2: Makoto Furukawa as Doug
The One Punch Man standout brings unexpected warmth to Doug, Axel’s cynical but loyal teammate. Furukawa’s comedic timing provides crucial levity between firefights, particularly in scenes where Doug’s street-smart pragmatism clashes with Axel’s idealism.
The character’s tragic backstory allows Furukawa to showcase dramatic chops rarely seen in his previous work, especially during a heartbreaking monologue about losing his original body.
3: Maaya Uchida as Christine
Maaya Uchida (Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Overlord) stuns as Christine, the team’s brilliant but emotionally detached medic. Uchida’s icy vocal performance gradually thaws as Christine rediscovers her humanity, with her whispered confession in Episode 5 being a particular standout.
The actress reportedly studied medical terminology and surgical procedures to lend authenticity to Christine’s emergency treatment scenes.
4: Yuma Uchida as Leland
Yuma Uchida (Jujutsu Kaisen, Free!) delivers terrifying intensity as Leland, the fanatical antagonist who views resurrection as divine judgment. Uchida’s manic laughter and sudden vocal shifts create an unpredictably chilling villain.
His improvised humming of Christian hymns during violent scenes became a signature character detail that the writers incorporated into later episodes.
5: Manaka Iwami as Eleina
Rising star Manaka Iwami (The Apothecary Diaries) captivates as Eleina, the mysterious “living vaccine” at the story’s center. Iwami’s ethereal voice work – alternating between childlike wonder and ancient wisdom – makes Eleina the series’ most enigmatic presence.
Her whispered conversations with Axel in the “memory gardens” showcase the actress’ remarkable ability to convey volumes through subtle vocal inflections.
6: Megumi Hayashibara as Hersch
Anime legend Hayashibara (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop) returns to Watanabe’s world as Hersch, the morally ambiguous scientist who created the Lazarus system. Her world-weary delivery and dark humor create a fascinating antihero.
Hayashibara’s final confrontation with Leland features what may be the most emotionally raw performance of her storied career.
7: Akio Ôtsuka as Abel
The iconic Metal Gear Solid and Ghost in the Shell veteran brings gravitas to Abel, the team’s battle-scarred leader. Ôtsuka’s basso profundo voice carries the weight of countless resurrections, making even simple orders sound like profound statements.
His death scene – reportedly performed in one astonishing take – left the recording crew in stunned silence.
8: Kôichi Yamadera as Skinner
Yamadera (Cowboy Bebop’s Spike Spiegel) reunites with Watanabe as Skinner, the sardonic AI overseeing resurrection protocols. His playful yet sinister performance keeps viewers guessing about the AI’s true loyalties.
The actor’s improvised jazz scatting during system reboots became a recurring motif that composer Flying Lotus incorporated into the score.
Production Details
- Director: Shinichirō Watanabe
- Animation Studio: MAPPA (Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen)
- Music: Flying Lotus with Kamasi Washington
- Episode Count: 13 episodes
- Format: Simulcast in Japanese/English
“Watanabe’s magnum opus – a philosophical bullet train with no brakes.” – Anime News Network
“Miyano and Stansbury deliver dual performances that will be studied for years.” – IGN
Prepare for resurrection when Lazarus premieres April 5, 2025, only on Adult Swim.
