Get ready for a breathtaking adventure! Studio Orange, renowned for its stunning 3DCG anime like Beastars and Trigun Stampede, is bringing Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan novel series to life as an anime on Netflix. Set in an alternate-history World War I, Leviathan promises a captivating blend of steampunk, biopunk, and dieselpunk elements. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new series.
A Dieselpunk vs. Biopunk World War
Leviathan plunges viewers into a world where the Great War is fought with fantastical technologies. The Central Powers, known as the “Clankers,” rely on massive dieselpunk war machines and intricate mecha walkers. In contrast, the Triple Entente, or “Darwinists,” employ biopunk creations, genetically engineered beasts of war, including the titular Leviathan, a colossal whale airship.
Story and Setting
The anime is set in 1914, on the brink of World War I, and follows the intertwined destinies of two young protagonists:
- Aleksandar (Alek) Ferdinand: A fugitive prince and would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Alek is forced to flee when his own people turn against him. He escapes with a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew.
- Deryn Sharp: A commoner girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service, Deryn is a skilled airman with a dangerous secret.
Their paths collide unexpectedly aboard the HMS Leviathan, a bioengineered airship, launching them into a fantastical, around-the-world adventure that will forever change their lives and the course of history.
Production Team
The Leviathan anime boasts a stellar production team:
- Animation Studio: Orange (Land of the Lustrous, BEASTARS, TRIGUN STAMPEDE)
- Production: Qubic Pictures
- Director: Christophe Ferreira (Eden designs)
- Executive Producers: Justin Leach and Taiki Sakurai (both previously involved with Eden)
- Music: Joe Hisaishi (original songs), Nobuko Toda (Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045), and Kazuma Jinnouchi (Metal Gear Solid 3 & 4, Halo 4 & 5, Suzume, RWBY: Ice Queendom, Ultraman anime)
Release Date
Leviathan is slated to premiere on Netflix in 2025, though a specific release date has not yet been announced.
Characters
- Aleksandar “Alek” Ferdinand: A prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, forced to flee after the assassination of his parents. He’s skilled in piloting “Stormwalkers,” armored fighting machines.
- Deryn Sharp: A Scottish girl who disguises herself as a boy, “Dylan Sharp,” to join the British Air Service. She serves aboard the Leviathan, a giant airship built on a flying whale.
What to Expect
- Stunning Visuals: Studio Orange is known for its groundbreaking 3DCG animation, and Leviathan promises to be a visual feast, blending steampunk machinery with organic, bioengineered creatures. The backgrounds are expected to be detailed and well-crafted, showcasing a wide variety of locations.
- Unique World-Building: The series offers a fresh take on World War I, reimagining the conflict with inventive technologies and fantastical creatures. The contrast between the Clankers’ dieselpunk machines and the Darwinists’ biopunk creations is visually striking and conceptually fascinating.
- Compelling Characters: Alek and Deryn are both compelling characters with their own secrets and motivations. Their journey together promises to be filled with adventure, danger, and personal growth.
- Epic Scope: With its alternate-history setting and globe-trotting adventure, Leviathan has the potential to be an epic anime series that explores themes of war, identity, and the power of human connection.
Why You Should Watch
- For Anime Fans: If you enjoy anime with unique worlds, compelling characters, and stunning visuals, Leviathan is a must-watch. Studio Orange has a proven track record of producing high-quality anime, and Leviathan looks set to continue that tradition.
- For Steampunk Enthusiasts: Leviathan is a steampunk dream come true, with its imaginative blend of Victorian aesthetics and advanced technology. The series is filled with intricate machinery, fantastical airships, and creative creature designs.
- For History Buffs: While Leviathan is an alternate history, it draws inspiration from real-world events and technologies of World War I. The series offers a unique perspective on this pivotal moment in history.
- For Fans of the Novels: If you’re a fan of Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan novels, you won’t want to miss this anime adaptation. Studio Orange is committed to bringing the world and characters of the novels to life in a faithful and visually stunning way.
More to Come
As the premiere date approaches, expect more trailers, character reveals, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the production of Leviathan. Keep an eye on Netflix’s anime channels and Studio Orange’s social media for the latest updates.
Leviathan is poised to be one of the most exciting anime releases of 2025. With its unique blend of alternate history, steampunk, and biopunk elements, combined with the stunning visuals of Studio Orange, this is one series you won’t want to miss. Get ready to set sail on the HMS Leviathan and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
