Sony and Crunchyroll Secure Rights to Makoto Shinkai Film
Sony and Crunchyroll Partner to Distribute Makoto Shinkai's Upcoming Film Globally
SHINKAI'S NEW FILM ACQUIRED
Illustration concept: A serene cinematic anime scene showing a dramatic cloudy sky over a modern Japanese cityscape, rendered in a vibrant artistic style reminiscent of Makoto Shinkai films.
AI summary
Sony Pictures and anime streaming platform Crunchyroll have secured worldwide distribution rights for the upcoming, as-yet-untitled film by director Makoto Shinkai. The distribution agreement encompasses all global markets outside Asia, with India excluded from the package.
Why this matters
Makoto Shinkai has established himself as one of the most commercially successful anime directors in modern cinema, generating massive international box office revenues. Securing distribution rights reinforces Sony and Crunchyroll's dominant position in delivering high-profile theatrical anime releases to global audiences.
Key takeaways
- Sony and Crunchyroll have acquired distribution rights for Makoto Shinkai's next untitled movie.
- The distribution agreement covers all territories outside Asia, excluding India.
- Shinkai's previous three animated feature films earned a combined total of $874 million worldwide.
- Specific details regarding the title, storyline, and theatrical debut date remain unannounced.
Anime streaming service Crunchyroll alongside parent company Sony have successfully acquired distribution rights for the next feature film from renowned Japanese director Makoto Shinkai, according to reporting by The Hollywood Reporter.
The agreement grants distribution privileges across all international territories situated outside Asia. However, the distribution package specifically excludes India alongside Asian markets.
While details surrounding the plot, title, and release schedule of the upcoming project remain unannounced, the deal highlights the high commercial expectation surrounding Shinkai's cinematic output.
The celebrated filmmaker has achieved formidable global commercial success over recent years. His last three animated feature films generated a cumulative total of $874 million at the worldwide box office.
The distribution arrangement further solidifies Sony and Crunchyroll's strategic emphasis on expanding Japanese anime's global footprint across international movie theaters.
Frequently asked questions
- Which companies acquired the distribution rights for Makoto Shinkai's upcoming film?
- Crunchyroll and Sony secured the rights to distribute the upcoming untitled feature film.
- What regions are included in the global distribution agreement?
- The deal encompasses every territory outside of Asia, with the specific exception of India.
- How much have Makoto Shinkai's recent films grossed overall?
- His last three feature films have earned a combined total of $874 million at the global box office.
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, 5:01 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.
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