Crunchyroll and Sony Secure Makoto Shinkai's Next Anime Movie
Sony and Crunchyroll Acquire Global Distribution Rights for Makoto Shinkai’s Upcoming Film
SHINKAI NEXT ANIME DEAL LANDS
Illustration concept: A cinematic landscape shot of a starry night sky over a vibrant city skyline in the signature colorful anime art style of Makoto Shinkai.
AI summary
Sony Pictures and Crunchyroll have secured global distribution rights for Japanese director Makoto Shinkai's upcoming untitled anime feature. The partnership follows a lucrative track record, with Shinkai's previous three films generating a combined total of $874 million worldwide.
Why this matters
Makoto Shinkai is one of modern anime's most commercially successful filmmakers, whose releases routinely shatter international box office records. This distribution agreement reinforces Sony and Crunchyroll's dominant position in bringing top-tier Japanese animated theatrical releases to global audiences.
Key takeaways
- Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures acquired international distribution rights for Makoto Shinkai's next film.
- The agreement encompasses regions outside Asia, with an exception noted for India.
- Makoto Shinkai's prior three films generated a combined $874 million globally.
- Title and storyline details for the upcoming animated feature have not yet been announced.
Japanese director Makoto Shinkai has secured international distribution for his next animated feature, with Sony Pictures and streaming brand Crunchyroll acquiring global rights for the project.
According to details reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the licensing agreement covers every international market outside Asia, with an exception noted for India.
Shinkai’s past commercial performance has made his upcoming work among the most anticipated properties in global animation. Over their theatrical runs, his previous three animated movies generated a combined $874 million in global box office revenue.
Specific details regarding the title, plot, and official premiere date for the upcoming feature remain under wraps, but the partnership with Sony and Crunchyroll guarantees a widespread theatrical rollout across foreign territories.
Frequently asked questions
- Who will distribute Makoto Shinkai's next anime movie globally?
- Sony Pictures and Crunchyroll will handle international distribution for the director's upcoming film.
- Which territories are included in the distribution deal?
- The agreement covers all markets outside Asia, with an exception specified for India.
- How much revenue have Makoto Shinkai's recent movies generated?
- His last three theatrical releases achieved a cumulative worldwide box office gross of $874 million.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Original publication:
- Aug 12, 2026, 4:51 AM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 12, 2026, 4:51 AM
- Updated:
- Aug 12, 2026, 6:01 AM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
Related stories
PARAMOUNT LEAVING HOLLYWOOD?
David Ellison Considers Moving Paramount Studio Out of California
AI summaryParamount chief David Ellison is reportedly contemplating a relocation of his studio operations away from California. The prospective shift marks a notable reversal from his earlier assertions regarding his commitment to the state's entertainment sector.
ROD STEWART PAUSES TOUR DATES
Rod Stewart Pauses Tour Following Heart Stent Surgery
AI summaryLegendary singer Rod Stewart has suspended his concert schedule for four weeks following a routine coronary stent placement. The temporary halt affects dates on both his farewell tour and his Las Vegas residency, coming shortly after an earlier show postponement in Ohio.
HACKS LIVE ON STAGE
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder to Perform Live Hacks Stage Show
AI summaryJean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are set to bring their award-winning 'Hacks' roles to a live audience in a special one-night stage event. The upcoming show will mark the first time the cast performs in character for a public theater production.
COLD WAR SUMMIT DRAMA
Jeff Daniels Stars in Nuclear Summit Film The Brink of War
AI summaryDirector Michael Russell Gunn's historical film 'The Brink of War' focuses on the crucial nuclear summit between American and Soviet leaders during the Cold War. Jeff Daniels stars as U.S. President Ronald Reagan opposite Jared Harris as Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.