Keanu Reeves Joins Stop-Motion Samurai Epic 'Hidari' After Pilot Screening, Director Kawamura Masashi Reveals at Tokyo Film Festival

Keanu Reeves has boarded the Japanese stop-motion feature 'Hidari' after viewing the project's pilot film, with his team responding within a week to arrange a Zoom call, director Kawamura Masashi revealed at the Tokyo International Film Festival. The announcement came as Kawamura updated the film's ongoing fundraising campaign, signaling growing international interest in the handcrafted animation project. 'Hidari' is a samurai epic that has already attracted attention from major industry figures, including 'RRR' director S.S. Rajamouli, who reportedly wanted to know how the intricate stop-motion techniques were achieved. The involvement of Reeves, a global star known for action and genre films, is expected to boost the film's profile and financing prospects. Kawamura's update at the festival highlights the project's momentum and the appeal of its unique visual style. With Reeves on board and curiosity from acclaimed filmmakers, 'Hidari' is poised to become a notable entry in the world of independent animation.