Action star Keanu Reeves is set to headline a samurai movie. It comes 13 years after 47 Ronin flopped at the box office.
Keanu Reeves to voice the lead in upcoming stop-motion samurai movie
According to Variety, Keanu Reeves will voice the lead character in Hidari, a stop-motion feature film directed by Masashi Kawamura (The Diary of Ochibi). It comes as an expansion from the director’s proof-of-concept short movie. The latter has over 5 million views on YouTube since it was first published in 2023.
Hidari is inspired by the legendary Edo-era craftsman Jingoro Hidari, with Keanu Reeves voicing the character. In the story, the lead character loses everything after a betrayal by those desperate to bury the secrets of Edo Castle’s reconstruction. He then transforms his grief into an unyielding drive for revenge, aided by his loyal companion, the ‘Sleeping Cat’.
After being part of the samurai movie, Reeves said, “I’m thrilled by the vision behind ‘Hidari.” The John Wick star added, “From the proof of concept to the developed script, the team has created something truly extraordinary. It has all the makings of an exceptional film—one I’m excited to see and eager to be part of. I believe this project has the potential to bring something very special to audiences worldwide.”
Reeves was recently seen in 2025’s Good Fortune, in the role of an angel Gabriel. He was also featured in 2025’s John Wick spin-off Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, where he reprised his iconic role.
Moreover, director Kawamura expressed huge enthusiasm about Reeves joining his project. “I’m super excited to be collaborating with Keanu. When someone with his experience and creative vision watches your proof of concept and says ‘I want to be part of this,’ it’s an incredible feeling.”
Noriko Matsumoto is the producer of Hidari, which has yet to receive an official release date window.
