Keanu Reeves joins stop-motion samurai film 'Hidari'
Actor signed on to Japanese project after viewing pilot film, director says at Tokyo festival.
At a glance
- Reeves viewed a pilot film before committing to the project
- His team initiated contact within a week of the screening
- Director Kawamura announced the casting at Tokyo International Film Festival
- The film is a stop-motion samurai epic
Keanu Reeves has joined the cast of a Japanese stop-motion feature titled "Hidari," according to director Kawamura Masashi. Reeves became involved with the project after watching a pilot film, with his team arranging a video call with the filmmakers about a week after a screening was set up.
Kawamura discussed the casting at the Tokyo International Film Festival, where he also provided updates on the film's fundraising efforts.
Why it matters
The involvement of a major Hollywood actor in a Japanese stop-motion production highlights growing international collaboration in animated filmmaking.
Original reporting
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