The world premiere of “Leviathan” took place at Anime Expo 2025, featuring an exclusive screening and behind-the-scenes panel led by co-producers Qubic Pictures and Studio Orange (“Beastars,” “Trigun”). Justin Leach and Yoshihiro “Nabe” Watanabe led the panel, discussing the development of this series and the cross-cultural production.

Temple of Geek sat down with Justin and Nabe to get an in-depth look at the series, now streaming on Netflix.

Adapting the Novel “Leviathan” to Anime

“Leviathan” is a novel written by Scott Westerfeld. The story follows two young characters from opposing sides of a conflict: a fugitive prince, Alek, and a girl in disguise, “Dylan” Sharp, whose journey aboard the living airship Leviathan forms an emotional bond.

Adapting a novel to an anime series is not so different from adapting manga. Justin Leach says:

We wanted to bring all of these different perspectives in and find the best story for this particular project. I think how it varies from manga adaptation is…everyone at the end of the day is telling a story. And sometimes, there are different themes, but I think we just try to be faithful to the book and very inclusive with all the team members to try to tell the best possible story.

Scott Westerfeld was heavily involved in the adaptation. Leach explains that they sent Westerfeld scripts and invited him to writing meetings. Getting the characterization correct is especially important. The creative team would ask for feedback when deciding on how characters reacted in certain situations.

Overcoming Challenges with A Vast Team of Creatives

The team working on “Leviathan” is from various places. Nabe explains:

The biggest challenge is that we had such a vast talent…as in from various places. America, France, U.K. So, understanding the culture of each other and what everyone is bringing to the table was the biggest thing. I mean, it wasn’t difficult. It just took time for us to really understand each other.

Justin adds, “What’s interesting about Leviathan is that the story itself is about two cultures coming together and building something, which is exactly what we did in production.”

Coming together to make the show reflected what was going on in “Leviathan,” in a way.

Watch the Series on Netflix

“Leviathan” is now streaming on Netflix! The series is a steampunk-themed alternate universe look at the world during the era of World War I. Prince Alek of Austria-Hungary must flee his home after the death of his parents. Alek’s home prides itself on being “Clankers.” “Clankers” is the term for the nations that use heavy machines to travel and attack their enemy.

Alek meets “Dylan” Sharp, a young Scottish airman. Sharp is from a nation of “Beasties,” the biologically enhanced creatures used in place of machines. Together, they cross the division of their cultures to help end the war.