Crunchyroll recently revealed that it has secured worldwide distribution rights for the upcoming animated feature from Makoto Shinkai. The film will be co-distributed globally by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment across all territories except Asia, with India being included, while CoMix Wave Films (CWF) confirming that the production team is fully engaged in development.
In response to the announcement, Shinkai addressed the reason behind the international press release preceding any domestic reveal, attributing it to “internal circumstances.” The director has been collaborating with global partners on this new project for several years, with the goal of captivating audiences both in Japan and overseas.
Regarding the film’s production, Shinkai expressed his commitment to delivering a memorable cinematic experience:
“Securing a ticket, paying what isn’t a small sum, and making the trip to the cinema – watching a film is a significant investment in entertainment. Our entire team is working relentlessly to create a movie that justifies every cent, and ideally one that’s so exceptionally engaging you’ll feel it was worth every penny.”
Although specifics about the movie remain limited at this stage, Shinkai hinted that the domestic announcement and theatrical release “(probably) aren’t that far off now.” Given that it’s been four years since his last film, Suzume, admirers of Shinkai’s work are eagerly awaiting his next creation.