{"id":1942806,"date":"2026-05-18T03:53:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T00:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1942806"},"modified":"2026-05-18T03:53:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T00:53:06","slug":"keanu-reeves-to-lead-in-dwarf-studios-stop-motion-samurai-epic-hidari","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1942806","title":{"rendered":"Keanu Reeves To Lead in dwarf studios\u2019 Stop\u2011Motion Samurai Epic \u2018HIDARI\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-tw.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-post-body col\">\n<div class=\"row post-body\">\n<aside class=\"post-body-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Entertainment\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time>May 17, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             356<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Zoe Leung<\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div class=\"post-gallery-container small inner-media\">\n<div class=\"gallery-container post-gallery-contain\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Keanu Reeves To Lead in dwarf studios\u2019 Stop\u2011Motion Samurai Epic \u2018HIDARI\u2019\">\n<div class=\"hb-gallery before-booted full-screen-enabled only-one-cell \" data-images=\"[{&quot;image&quot;:{&quot;description&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_caption&quot;:null,&quot;small&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=480&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;medium&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=720&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;large&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;xlarge&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;full&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;},&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/image\/2026\/05\/17\/keanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Keanu Reeves Star dwarf studios 'HIDARI' Stop-Motion Samurai Film News Masashi Kawamura &quot;,&quot;width&quot;:1400,&quot;height&quot;:933,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Jemal Countess\/Getty Images&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;creditKey&quot;:&quot;general&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;annotations&quot;:null,&quot;shop&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:null,&quot;label&quot;:null}}]\" role=\"list\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell landscape\" data-gallery-index=\"1\" role=\"listitem\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-inner-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-image-wrapper annotation-container fixed-ratio-3-2\">\n                                                                                                        <source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?q=90&amp;w=1400&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"(min-width: 1260px)\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-meta-container credit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"credit \">Jemal Countess\/Getty Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Entertainment<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>May 17, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             356<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keanu Reeves will star in dwarf studios\u2019 full-length stop-motion samurai film <em>HIDARI<\/em><\/li>\n<li>The project expands Masashi Kawamura\u2019s viral 2023 short into a 90\u2011minute feature<\/li>\n<li>Reeves voices a betrayed craftsman seeking vengeance with mechanical prosthetic weapons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keanu Reeves has officially joined dwarf studios\u2019 upcoming full\u2011length stop\u2011motion samurai film <i>HIDARI<\/i>, voicing the lead role of legendary craftsman Hidari Jingoro. The high-profile announcement was made by the film\u2019s producers at the Annecy Animation Showcase during the Cannes Film Festival.<\/p>\n<p>Directed by Masashi Kawamura, <i>HIDARI<\/i> began as a proof\u2011of\u2011concept short released on YouTube in 2023, which quickly went viral with nearly 5 million views and acclaim at over 20 international film festivals. The shorts\u2019 striking \u201cwood sculpture\u201d stop\u2011motion style, featuring intricately carved puppets and dynamic action sequences, generated strong demand for a full\u2011length adaptation. Director Masashi Kawamura, known for his innovative work across commercials, music videos, and installations, has expanded the concept into a 90\u2011minute feature film.\n<\/p>\n<p>The story follows Hidari Jingoro, betrayed during the reconstruction of Edo Castle, who loses his mentor, fianc\u00e9e and right arm. Armed with mechanical prosthetics crafted from his carpentry skills, he embarks on a revenge\u2011driven journey alongside his companion, the \u201cSleeping Cat.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>The film is being co-developed by three powerhouse entities \u2013 creative studio Whatever, animation studio Tecarat and the critically acclaimed dwarf studios (known for Netflix\u2019s <i>Rilakkuma <\/i>and <em>Pok\u00e9mon Concierge<\/em> series) \u2013 under the production of Noriko Matsumoto. A global release date is yet to be confirmed, but the film will likely be available worldwide following its Cannes showcase.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6723020\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>HBO&#8217;s \u2018LANTERNS\u2019 Sets August 2026 Premiere, and the New Trailer Suggests It&#8217;s Going Much Further Than a Murder Mystery\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6722074\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Over 1.1 Million Drivers Are Already Blazing Through \u2018Forza Horizon 6\u2019\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6722445\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Director Na Hong-Jin Confirms Sequel of Neon Thriller &#8216;Hope&#8217; Is Already Written\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Zoe Leung<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Keanu Reevesdwarf studioshidari\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-footer\" class=\"post-footer row\">\n<div class=\"col-shopping-break\">\n<hr>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-comments\">\n<div id=\"comments\" class=\"post-comments none \">\n<header>\n<div class=\"heading\"><span class=\"comment-count\">0<\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"comment-dropdown-tooltip\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row post-body\">\n<aside class=\"post-body-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Entertainment\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time>May 17, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             356<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Zoe Leung<\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div class=\"post-gallery-container small inner-media\">\n<div class=\"gallery-container post-gallery-contain\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Keanu Reeves To Lead in dwarf studios\u2019 Stop\u2011Motion Samurai Epic \u2018HIDARI\u2019\">\n<div class=\"hb-gallery before-booted full-screen-enabled only-one-cell \" data-images=\"[{&quot;image&quot;:{&quot;description&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_caption&quot;:null,&quot;small&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=480&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;medium&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=720&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;large&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;xlarge&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;full&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;},&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/image\/2026\/05\/17\/keanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Keanu Reeves Star dwarf studios 'HIDARI' Stop-Motion Samurai Film News Masashi Kawamura &quot;,&quot;width&quot;:1400,&quot;height&quot;:933,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Jemal Countess\/Getty Images&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;creditKey&quot;:&quot;general&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;annotations&quot;:null,&quot;shop&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:null,&quot;label&quot;:null}}]\" role=\"list\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell landscape\" data-gallery-index=\"1\" role=\"listitem\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-inner-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-image-wrapper annotation-container fixed-ratio-3-2\">\n                                                                                                        <source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?q=90&amp;w=1400&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"(min-width: 1260px)\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-meta-container credit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"credit \">Jemal Countess\/Getty Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Entertainment<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>May 17, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             356<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keanu Reeves will star in dwarf studios\u2019 full-length stop-motion samurai film <em>HIDARI<\/em><\/li>\n<li>The project expands Masashi Kawamura\u2019s viral 2023 short into a 90\u2011minute feature<\/li>\n<li>Reeves voices a betrayed craftsman seeking vengeance with mechanical prosthetic weapons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keanu Reeves has officially joined dwarf studios\u2019 upcoming full\u2011length stop\u2011motion samurai film <i>HIDARI<\/i>, voicing the lead role of legendary craftsman Hidari Jingoro. The high-profile announcement was made by the film\u2019s producers at the Annecy Animation Showcase during the Cannes Film Festival.<\/p>\n<p>Directed by Masashi Kawamura, <i>HIDARI<\/i> began as a proof\u2011of\u2011concept short released on YouTube in 2023, which quickly went viral with nearly 5 million views and acclaim at over 20 international film festivals. The shorts\u2019 striking \u201cwood sculpture\u201d stop\u2011motion style, featuring intricately carved puppets and dynamic action sequences, generated strong demand for a full\u2011length adaptation. Director Masashi Kawamura, known for his innovative work across commercials, music videos, and installations, has expanded the concept into a 90\u2011minute feature film.\n<\/p>\n<p>The story follows Hidari Jingoro, betrayed during the reconstruction of Edo Castle, who loses his mentor, fianc\u00e9e and right arm. Armed with mechanical prosthetics crafted from his carpentry skills, he embarks on a revenge\u2011driven journey alongside his companion, the \u201cSleeping Cat.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>The film is being co-developed by three powerhouse entities \u2013 creative studio Whatever, animation studio Tecarat and the critically acclaimed dwarf studios (known for Netflix\u2019s <i>Rilakkuma <\/i>and <em>Pok\u00e9mon Concierge<\/em> series) \u2013 under the production of Noriko Matsumoto. A global release date is yet to be confirmed, but the film will likely be available worldwide following its Cannes showcase.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6723020\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>HBO&#8217;s \u2018LANTERNS\u2019 Sets August 2026 Premiere, and the New Trailer Suggests It&#8217;s Going Much Further Than a Murder Mystery\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6722074\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Over 1.1 Million Drivers Are Already Blazing Through \u2018Forza Horizon 6\u2019\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6722445\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Director Na Hong-Jin Confirms Sequel of Neon Thriller &#8216;Hope&#8217; Is Already Written\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Zoe Leung<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Keanu Reevesdwarf studioshidari\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Entertainment\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time>May 17, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             356<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Zoe Leung<\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Entertainment\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time>May 17, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Zoe Leung<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div class=\"post-gallery-container small inner-media\">\n<div class=\"gallery-container post-gallery-contain\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Keanu Reeves To Lead in dwarf studios\u2019 Stop\u2011Motion Samurai Epic \u2018HIDARI\u2019\">\n<div class=\"hb-gallery before-booted full-screen-enabled only-one-cell \" data-images=\"[{&quot;image&quot;:{&quot;description&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_caption&quot;:null,&quot;small&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=480&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;medium&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=720&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;large&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;xlarge&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;,&quot;full&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&quot;},&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/image\/2026\/05\/17\/keanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Keanu Reeves Star dwarf studios 'HIDARI' Stop-Motion Samurai Film News Masashi Kawamura &quot;,&quot;width&quot;:1400,&quot;height&quot;:933,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Jemal Countess\/Getty Images&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;creditKey&quot;:&quot;general&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;annotations&quot;:null,&quot;shop&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:null,&quot;label&quot;:null}}]\" role=\"list\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell landscape\" data-gallery-index=\"1\" role=\"listitem\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-inner-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-image-wrapper annotation-container fixed-ratio-3-2\">\n                                                                                                        <source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-001.jpg?q=90&amp;w=1400&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"(min-width: 1260px)\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-meta-container credit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"credit \">Jemal Countess\/Getty Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Entertainment<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>May 17, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             356<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keanu Reeves will star in dwarf studios\u2019 full-length stop-motion samurai film <em>HIDARI<\/em><\/li>\n<li>The project expands Masashi Kawamura\u2019s viral 2023 short into a 90\u2011minute feature<\/li>\n<li>Reeves voices a betrayed craftsman seeking vengeance with mechanical prosthetic weapons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keanu Reeves has officially joined dwarf studios\u2019 upcoming full\u2011length stop\u2011motion samurai film <i>HIDARI<\/i>, voicing the lead role of legendary craftsman Hidari Jingoro. The high-profile announcement was made by the film\u2019s producers at the Annecy Animation Showcase during the Cannes Film Festival.<\/p>\n<p>Directed by Masashi Kawamura, <i>HIDARI<\/i> began as a proof\u2011of\u2011concept short released on YouTube in 2023, which quickly went viral with nearly 5 million views and acclaim at over 20 international film festivals. The shorts\u2019 striking \u201cwood sculpture\u201d stop\u2011motion style, featuring intricately carved puppets and dynamic action sequences, generated strong demand for a full\u2011length adaptation. Director Masashi Kawamura, known for his innovative work across commercials, music videos, and installations, has expanded the concept into a 90\u2011minute feature film.\n<\/p>\n<p>The story follows Hidari Jingoro, betrayed during the reconstruction of Edo Castle, who loses his mentor, fianc\u00e9e and right arm. Armed with mechanical prosthetics crafted from his carpentry skills, he embarks on a revenge\u2011driven journey alongside his companion, the \u201cSleeping Cat.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>The film is being co-developed by three powerhouse entities \u2013 creative studio Whatever, animation studio Tecarat and the critically acclaimed dwarf studios (known for Netflix\u2019s <i>Rilakkuma <\/i>and <em>Pok\u00e9mon Concierge<\/em> series) \u2013 under the production of Noriko Matsumoto. A global release date is yet to be confirmed, but the film will likely be available worldwide following its Cannes showcase.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6723020\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>HBO&#8217;s \u2018LANTERNS\u2019 Sets August 2026 Premiere, and the New Trailer Suggests It&#8217;s Going Much Further Than a Murder Mystery\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6722074\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Over 1.1 Million Drivers Are Already Blazing Through \u2018Forza Horizon 6\u2019\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6722445\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Director Na Hong-Jin Confirms Sequel of Neon Thriller &#8216;Hope&#8217; Is Already Written\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Zoe Leung<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Keanu Reevesdwarf studioshidari\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Entertainment<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>May 17, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             356<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Entertainment<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>May 17, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Entertainment<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>May 17, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             356<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keanu Reeves will star in dwarf studios\u2019 full-length stop-motion samurai film <em>HIDARI<\/em><\/li>\n<li>The project expands Masashi Kawamura\u2019s viral 2023 short into a 90\u2011minute feature<\/li>\n<li>Reeves voices a betrayed craftsman seeking vengeance with mechanical prosthetic weapons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keanu Reeves has officially joined dwarf studios\u2019 upcoming full\u2011length stop\u2011motion samurai film <i>HIDARI<\/i>, voicing the lead role of legendary craftsman Hidari Jingoro. The high-profile announcement was made by the film\u2019s producers at the Annecy Animation Showcase during the Cannes Film Festival.<\/p>\n<p>Directed by Masashi Kawamura, <i>HIDARI<\/i> began as a proof\u2011of\u2011concept short released on YouTube in 2023, which quickly went viral with nearly 5 million views and acclaim at over 20 international film festivals. The shorts\u2019 striking \u201cwood sculpture\u201d stop\u2011motion style, featuring intricately carved puppets and dynamic action sequences, generated strong demand for a full\u2011length adaptation. Director Masashi Kawamura, known for his innovative work across commercials, music videos, and installations, has expanded the concept into a 90\u2011minute feature film.\n<\/p>\n<p>The story follows Hidari Jingoro, betrayed during the reconstruction of Edo Castle, who loses his mentor, fianc\u00e9e and right arm. Armed with mechanical prosthetics crafted from his carpentry skills, he embarks on a revenge\u2011driven journey alongside his companion, the \u201cSleeping Cat.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>The film is being co-developed by three powerhouse entities \u2013 creative studio Whatever, animation studio Tecarat and the critically acclaimed dwarf studios (known for Netflix\u2019s <i>Rilakkuma <\/i>and <em>Pok\u00e9mon Concierge<\/em> series) \u2013 under the production of Noriko Matsumoto. A global release date is yet to be confirmed, but the film will likely be available worldwide following its Cannes showcase.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Zoe Leung<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Keanu Reevesdwarf studioshidari\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/2026\/5\/keanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F17%2Fkeanu-reeves-star-dwarf-studios-hidari-stop-motion-samurai-film-news-tw.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&#8221;] Entertainment May 17, 2026 356 Views 0\u00a0Comments Comments Save Text By Zoe Leung Share this article Jemal Countess\/Getty Images Entertainment May 17, 2026 356 Views 0\u00a0Comments Comments Save Summary Keanu Reeves will star in dwarf studios\u2019 full-length stop-motion samurai film HIDARI The project expands Masashi Kawamura\u2019s viral 2023 short into a 90\u2011minute [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,39],"class_list":["post-1942806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-hypebeast-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1942806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1942806"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1942806\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1942806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1942806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1942806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}