Anime director Shinichirō Watanabe is a legend who has consistently bridged the gap between his niche medium and the mainstream. Thanks to seminal hits likeCowboy Bebop,Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, and more, Watanabe has established a prestigious reputation even simply when his name is attached. But it’s more than a sterling mark of quality connecting these series, with a recentAnime News Networkinterview highlighting how he believes all of his series, includingLazarus, are connected.
Lazarus,slated for a 2025 release, is Watanabe’s latest project and boasts many similar qualities in common withCowboy Bebop,down to its choreographed action. With the amazing help of star directors like Chad Stahelski, Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo creating the music and animation by MAPPA,the series is primed to go down among the greats like all the rest. But with Watanabe’s take on his collective works, it might be worth revisiting works likeKids on the Slope, Terror in Resonance,and others in time forLazarus’release to see how they connect withCowboy Bebop.
Lazarus and Cowboy Bebop Take Place in the Same Universe
Shinichirō Watanabe Answers the Million Woolong Question
In a special New York Comic-Con interview, Shinichirō Watanabe confirms thatLazarusand his other works are in the same universe. The interview hosted by Jacki Jing for Anime News Network expands on this, discussing even the more outlandish connections, such asCarole & TuesdaytoCowboy BebopandLazarus.These references include nods to in-universe connections such as shared currency like Woolongs and direct easter eggslikeCowboy Bebop’sfridge monster, which were spotted inSpace Dandy.
I’ve always thought all of my shows took place in the same universe.
-Shinichirō Watanabe
It’s undoubtedly fun to revisit Watanabe’s series to see other little moments connecting the greatest hits. As the rest of the interview shows, Watanabe is proud of his work as a director and likely incorporates these moments to share them with his viewers. But as any comic book movie fan can attest, the moment a universe connecting multiple series is confirmed,Lazaruswill likely be studied heavily for connections toCowboy Bebopor other anime.
Shinichirō Watanabe’s Cinematic Universe Is Mostly Surface-Level References
Don’t Expect an Anime Avengers Initiative
While theCowboy BebopxLazarusconnections will be picked up quickly, other Watanabe anime also have fascinating references.Carole & Tuesdaytakes place in Alba City on Mars,the same city and planet asCowboy Bebop: The Movie.Space Dandyfeatures many references, including Woolongs as a currency, fridge monsters, and Vicious' bird even making a cameo. None of these references are consequential to the plot but make for fun trivia among Watanabe lovers since the start ofCowboy Bebopuntil the release ofLazarus.
Lazarus
Cast
In 2052, humanity celebrates unprecedented peace, thanks to Hapuna—a miracle drug eradicating pain and illness. Three years later, its creator, Dr. Skinner, resurfaces with a grim revelation: Hapuna is a delayed toxin, and death looms for all who took it. With just 30 days to avert catastrophe, a global task force called Lazarus assembles to locate Skinner and develop a cure.
