Will Lazarus Anime Get a Season 2 Everything You Need to Know

(Image credit: ©MAPPA Studio | Sola Entertainment | Crunchyroll)
If you just finished the final episode of Lazarus and your mind is spinning with questions, you’re not alone. Shinichiro Watanabe’s latest anime has been one of the wildest rides of 2025 -sometimes for the best reasons, sometimes not so much. And now, as the credits roll on episode thirteen, everyone’s asking: Will Lazarus anime get a season 2, or is this the end of the line?
Lazarus Season One Recap and Why People Can’t Stop Talking
Let’s set the scene. Lazarus showed up in spring 2025 with all eyes on it, thanks to the legendary Watanabe and the always-buzzing MAPPA studio. The story? Pretty wild. In a near future that feels close enough to home, a genius scientist named Dr. Skinner invents a miracle painkiller, Hapna. Of course, nothing’s ever that simple. A few years later, Skinner goes missing, and then – boom! he reappears to drop the ultimate bombshell: Hapna will kill everyone who took it after three years.
Suddenly, the world is in free fall. Riots break out. The stock market tanks. People everywhere are desperate for a solution. Enter the Lazarus team, a group of outcasts and ex-cons thrown together for one last shot at redemption (or survival). Their mission: find Skinner and get the cure before the clock runs out.
At first, Lazarus seemed like it had everything: stylish animation, that signature jazzy soundtrack, action scenes that hit hard, and a world that feels gritty and real. Axel, the main character, escapes from prison in the first episode and pulls off stunts that would make even Spike Spiegel do a double-take. There’s drama, there’s intrigue, and for a while, it honestly feels like the next big thing in anime.
The Season Unfolds Fast and Furious, then… Not So Much

Here’s where things get interesting. The first few episodes are a blast, moving at a breakneck pace. The team bounces around the globe, chasing clues and running into all sorts of trouble. There are some genuinely touching moments, like Eleina’s friendship with Popcorn Wizard, and plenty of cool action - Axel’s parkour never disappoints.
But somewhere along the way, the show takes its foot off the gas. There are a lot of side missions, and at times, it feels like the urgency just fizzles out. The middle of the season gets weighed down by filler, with some episodes focusing on the characters relaxing, reminiscing, or diving into philosophical debates. Some of those scenes are beautiful, like when the team visits islands lost to climate change or when Chris questions if they’re on the right side. But let’s be real! more than a few people were left shouting at their screens for things to move along.
By the time the finale hits, it’s clear not everyone on the team got the development they deserved. Doug and Leland, for example, barely get any backstory. The final confrontation with Skinner, who’s been hiding right under their noses the whole time, feels a little anticlimactic. The big twist - Lazarus’ immunity to Hapna is due to a genetic mutation they experienced when exposed to the prototype version of the drug at Schiphol Airport - lands, but it doesn’t quite pack the punch you’d hope for after so many episodes.
What Worked and What Didn’t for Fans
There’s a lot that’s memorable about Lazarus. The animation is seriously gorgeous, especially during action sequences. The worldbuilding stands out, with cool details like a fat white cat that becomes something of a mascot. The music? Pure Watanabe vibes, blending jazz, synth, and even a little funk to make every chase scene pop. When it comes to style, Lazarus delivers.
But for every hit, there’s a miss. Some viewers found themselves frustrated by the pacing and the lack of chemistry between the main crew. The storytelling sometimes leans too much into “telling” instead of “showing.” When the team finally comes together in the finale, it feels rushed - almost like the creators realized they were out of time and had to wrap things up, fast.
Still, even those who were let down by the story admit that Lazarus is a feast for the eyes and ears. And for anyone who loves stories about saving the world and questioning what it means to be human, there’s plenty here to chew on.
Will Lazarus Anime Get a Season 2 or not?

Now, the million-dollar question: Is there more Lazarus coming, or is this it? For months, fans assumed this would be a classic Watanabe one-and-done. After all, he’s known for making anime that leave you wanting more, then moving on to something completely new.
But after the finale aired, something surprising happened. Watanabe himself hinted in a livestream that he’s actually open to coming back for more Lazarus. He said the team’s story isn’t finished and even told CBR in early July 2025:
“By the way, a sequel is possible.” - Shinichirō Watanabe
That’s a big deal, because he’s almost never shown interest in doing second seasons before. That said, as of right now, Lazarus has not been officially renewed for a Season 2. There’s no release date, no teaser, no production news. If another season does happen, it probably wouldn’t be here before late 2026, given how long anime takes to make. But with that little hint from Watanabe, hope is definitely alive. And with events like Anime Expo always around the corner, it wouldn’t be shocking if some big announcement drops when fans least expect it.
Where You Can Watch Lazarus and Relive the Action
If you haven’t checked out Lazarus yet, or want to watch it again and look for all the hidden clues, you can stream the entire first season on Hulu or Adult Swim. Whether you prefer sub or dub, both are available - just grab your favorite snack and settle in for some intense sci-fi vibes.
Want a taste of what’s in store? Here’s the Lazarus season 1 official trailer to get your adrenaline going.
Final Thoughts Why Lazarus Still Has People Talking
So, does Lazarus deserve a second season? That’s honestly up for debate. The show is beautiful, stylish, and has moments of genuine brilliance, even if it stumbles along the way. For some, the open ending and the team’s unfinished business are reason enough to hope for a comeback. For others, the flaws are too much to overlook.
Either way, Lazarus has already left a mark on the 2025 anime world. It’s bold, messy, and not afraid to ask big questions - even if it doesn’t always find the right answers. If Season 2 does get the green light, here’s hoping the creators take everything they’ve learned and deliver the story this world deserves.
Until then, keep an eye out because in the world of anime, you never know what’s waiting around the next corner.
Ready for another ride? Keep streaming on Hulu or Adult Swim and stay tuned for any news about the future of Lazarus!