Keanu Reeves’ upcoming stop-motion samurai film Hidari is searching for a new financial partner after negotiations with an American company failed to produce a deal. The Japanese production, which features Reeves as the voice of legendary sculptor-turned-warrior Jingoro Hidari, had attracted an offer covering its entire budget. However, the proposed agreement required the filmmakers to surrender all rights to their original creation, raising concerns about ownership and long-term creative control.
Producer Noriko Matsumoto revealed the situation during the Asian Contents & Film Market at the Busan International Film Festival on October 11, 2026. Speaking during a discussion about international co-productions, she explained that the potential American partner respected the project’s creative vision and was prepared to provide sufficient funding. The difficulty was finding an arrangement that allowed the Japanese team to retain meaningful ownership.
The negotiations ultimately stalled after the American executives involved lost their jobs during restructuring in Hollywood. Dwarf Studios is now exploring alternative financing partnerships to move the film forward.
Why Hidari’s Hollywood Partnership Fell Apart
The proposed American investment could have solved Hidari’s financing challenges, but accepting the arrangement would have meant giving up ownership of the intellectual property.
Matsumoto wanted the Japanese production team to retain approximately half of the rights. She subsequently approached Questry CEO Tomonobu Ibe about securing Japanese investment to support that arrangement.
Before negotiations could progress, however, the executives representing the American company were no longer involved.
Questry has since established a dedicated company structure allowing Japanese and international investors to participate in the project.
The development illustrates a challenge facing independent animation studios: securing enough money to complete an ambitious production without losing control of the characters and stories they created.
What Is Keanu Reeves’ Stop-Motion Film Hidari About?
Directed by Masashi Kawamura, Hidari draws inspiration from Jingoro Hidari, a legendary Japanese sculptor whose historical existence remains uncertain.
Set during Japan’s Edo period, the story follows Jingoro after a conspiracy leaves him without his right arm and costs him the people he loves. He transforms his woodworking tools into weapons and begins a violent journey of revenge.
The production uses hand-carved wooden puppets, blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with elaborate stop-motion action.
A proof-of-concept short released in 2023 attracted international attention, surpassing 4.9 million YouTube views and winning recognition at more than 20 film festivals, according to the project’s official website.
Reeves joined the feature adaptation in May 2026, marking his first voice role in an original Japanese production.
“I’m thrilled by the vision behind HIDARI,” the actor said in the official casting announcement.
When Will Hidari Be Released?
The filmmakers are developing Hidari as a 90-minute animated feature, with Dwarf Studios, Whatever Co. and TECARAT collaborating on production.
However, no official release date has been confirmed, and the latest financing setback leaves its production timetable uncertain.
Reeves’ involvement has significantly increased the project’s international visibility, but celebrity casting alone cannot resolve the financial and ownership challenges facing an independent animated feature.
The next major development will be whether Dwarf Studios can secure investors willing to support the film while allowing its Japanese creators to retain meaningful control.
For Hidari, finding the right partner may ultimately matter just as much as finding the money.
