Leviathan: A New Anime Journey from Studio ORANGE Now Available on Netflix
The highly anticipated anime series, Leviathan, produced by the renowned CGI studio ORANGE, has officially launched on Netflix, offering viewers all 12 episodes to enjoy. This anime adaptation has generated excitement not only for its stunning animation but also for its impressive musical score by the legendary composer Joe Hisaishi, who is widely celebrated for his work on various iconic films directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
In addition to the release of the series, Netflix has unveiled both the opening and ending theme songs, along with the complete English voice cast lineup. The opening theme, titled “Paths Combine,” is a captivating piece by Joe Hisaishi, which beautifully sets the tone for the series. The closing theme, “The Sky Ahead,” features the enchanting vocals of Diana Garnet alongside Hisaishi, enhancing the overall auditory experience of the anime.
Voice Cast and Characters
The cast of Leviathan brings a rich array of characters to life, with notable performances from both Japanese and English voice actors. The characters include:
- Alek: Voiced by Ayumu Murase in Japanese and Dor Gvirtsman in English
- Sharp: Natsumi Fujiwara (JP) / Broghanne Jessamine (EN)
- Count Volger: Shunsuke Sakuya (JP) / Rob Nagle (EN)
- Klopp: Yasuhiro Mamiya (JP) / Gregory Cupoli (EN)
- Dr. Nora Barlow: Mie Sonozaki (JP) / Michelle Lukes (EN)
- Newkirk: Ivan Shibata (JP) / Knox Collier (EN)
- Lilit: Fairouz Ai (JP) / Ren Holly Liu (EN)
- Nikola Tesla: Hiroki Touchi (JP) / Christopher W. Jones (EN)
- Nene: Ikuko Tani (JP) / Deborah Geffner (EN)
- Hoffman: Genta Nakamura (JP) / Jacob Nichols (EN)
- Rigby (Mr. Rigby): Daichi Hayashi (JP) / Matthew Crowley (EN)
- Matthews: Satoshi Niwa (JP) / Piers Stubbs (EN)
- Thomas: Naoto Kobayashi (JP) / Jason Anthony (EN)
- Hirst: Yukitaro Namura (JP) / Connor Keene (EN)
- Captain of the Leviathan: Ryosuke Higa (JP) / Michael Chomiak (EN)
- George Darwin: Michio Hazama (JP) / John Mawson (EN)
- Pavel: Takahiro Fujiwara (JP) / Caleb Hafen (EN)
- Zaven: Naomi Kusumi (JP) / Michael Benyaer (EN)
- Sultan: Tessho Genda (JP) / Marcelo Tubert (EN)
The anime is directed by Christophe Ferreira, with Justin Leach and Daiki Sakurai serving as executive producers. All three have previously worked on the critically acclaimed series Eden, ensuring a high standard of storytelling and production quality for Leviathan.
The Storyline
Set against the backdrop of World War I, Leviathan follows the thrilling adventure of Prince Aleksander, who is the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne but finds himself on the run. His fate intertwines with that of Deryn Sharp, a commoner disguised as a boy to join the British Air Service. Their unexpected encounter aboard the bioengineered airship, the HMS Leviathan, serves as a catalyst for a journey that will not only alter the course of their own lives but also impact the very fabric of history.
As the tension of war looms, Alek and Deryn embark on a fantastical adventure that takes them around the world. The narrative promises to explore themes of identity, courage, and the importance of forging connections in tumultuous times. The blend of historical context with imaginative storytelling provides viewers with a unique experience that is both enlightening and entertaining.
Source Material and Adaptation
Leviathan is adapted from a novel written by Scott Westerfeld, first published in 2009. This book, illustrated by Keith Thompson, is the inaugural entry in the Leviathan trilogy, which also includes the sequels Behemoth and Goliath. The trilogy has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Aurealis Award for Best Young Adult Novel in 2009. The transition from page to screen has been met with enthusiasm, particularly given the rich world-building and character development present in the original text.
Studio ORANGE, recognized for its exceptional work in 3D CGI animation, has previously impressed audiences with titles like Land of the Lustrous, BEASTARS, and TRIGUN: STAMPEDE. Their expertise in blending traditional storytelling with cutting-edge animation techniques is evident in Leviathan, promising a visually stunning and engaging series.
Musical Composition
The musical score for Leviathan is crafted by Joe Hisaishi, who is not only responsible for the opening and ending theme songs but also contributes to the overall soundtrack. Hisaishi’s music has a long-standing history of elevating animated works, particularly those produced by Studio Ghibli. Collaborators Nobuko Toda and Kazuma Jinnouchi lend their talents to enhance the overall audio experience, ensuring that the music serves as an integral part of the storytelling.
Conclusion
With its compelling story, rich character development, and stunning visuals, Leviathan is poised to capture the hearts of anime fans and newcomers alike. The combination of historical elements with a fantastical twist, paired with the expertise of Studio ORANGE and the musical genius of Joe Hisaishi, creates a viewing experience that is both immersive and memorable.
As Leviathan continues to stream on Netflix, audiences are invited to dive into this enchanting world where history and imagination collide, embarking on a journey that promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether you are a fan of the original novel or new to the story, Leviathan offers an exciting adventure that is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages.
