Shinichiro Watanabe Confirms Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, & Lazarus Share The Same Universe

In a recent interview with Anime News Network, renowned director Shinichiro Watanabe confirmed that Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, Carole & Tuesday, and his upcoming project Lazarus all take place within the same universe.

Watanabe’s confirmation came when asked whether Lazarus takes place in the same universe as his earlier works.

“I’ve always thought my shows took place in the same universe,” he stated.

When pressed further, he responded with a smile, nodding slightly: “Of course“.

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In addition to discussing the shared universe, Watanabe shared insights into Lazarus, his upcoming anime project.

For the first time in his career, Watanabe collaborated with a Hollywood director, Chad Stahelski of John Wick fame, for action choreography.

“I’ve always held his John Wick films in high regard. It’s not just the realism of the action, but how modern it feels,” Watanabe explained. “So when I reached out, I was just hoping they could provide some advice. Instead, they said, ‘Leave it to us!’ and offered to handle the choreography themselves.“

Despite initial concerns about the project’s budget, Watanabe emphasized that Stahelski, inspired by Watanabe’s own work, was eager to contribute without hesitation.

“I had to apologize upfront that we didn’t have Hollywood-level budgets, but Chad said, ‘Don’t worry about the cost. Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo have inspired me for years. Let me do this for you,’” Watanabe recalled.

Lazarus is set to premiere in 2025.

The series will feature a score by jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, and producers, DJs, and musicians Floating Points and Bonobo. Animation for the series will be done by MAPPA while Sola Entertainment handles general production.

Source: ANN