Entertainment

Crunchyroll and Sony Secure Global Rights for Makoto Shinkai's Upcoming Anime Feature

authorBy Ricky Gervais

DateAug 12, 2026

Read Time3 min

This article details the acquisition of global distribution rights by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment for acclaimed Japanese anime director Makoto Shinkai's next untitled feature film. It highlights Shinkai's impressive track record with international box office successes like 'Your Name,' 'Weathering With You,' and 'Suzume,' and emphasizes Crunchyroll's significant role as a leading distributor of Japanese animation in Western markets. The announcement underscores the growing global appeal of anime and the strategic partnerships driving its widespread release.

The Next Masterpiece: Shinkai's Vision, Globally Unveiled

Crunchyroll and Sony Forge Alliance for Global Anime Distribution

Sony's anime streaming giant, Crunchyroll, has officially secured the global distribution rights for the highly anticipated new cinematic creation from visionary director Makoto Shinkai. This strategic acquisition sees Crunchyroll collaborating with Sony Pictures Entertainment to bring the as-yet-untitled film to audiences worldwide, with the exception of most Asian territories, but notably including India within Western distribution. While specific details such as the film's name, narrative, and release schedule are currently being kept under wraps, the industry is buzzing with anticipation.

Makoto Shinkai's Cinematic Legacy: A Track Record of Global Success

Makoto Shinkai stands as a colossal figure in the realm of anime blockbusters, his name synonymous with critical acclaim and commercial triumph. His groundbreaking work, 'Your Name,' captivated audiences globally in 2016, raking in an impressive $358 million worldwide and setting a new benchmark for anime's international reach. This success was followed by 'Weathering With You' in 2019, which garnered $193 million, and 'Suzume' in 2022, accumulating approximately $323 million. These three features consistently rank among the highest-grossing anime films in history.

A Proven Partnership: Replicating 'Suzume's' Global Triumph

The distribution strategy for Shinkai's latest endeavor mirrors the successful model employed for 'Suzume,' a film expertly handled through a joint effort between Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures. 'Suzume' not only premiered in competition at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival but also secured a Golden Globe nomination for best animated feature, ultimately earning over $10 million in U.S. cinemas alone. This precedent sets high expectations for the global performance of the new film.

The Director's Consistent Pace and Rising Anticipation

Shinkai, now 53, has maintained a remarkably consistent production cycle, releasing a major feature film approximately every three years. With 'Your Name' in 2016, 'Weathering With You' in 2019, and 'Suzume' in 2022, the anime community has eagerly awaited news of his next project for the past four years. The director himself fueled this excitement in a New Year's social media post in January, promising to unveil concrete details about his upcoming work later this year.

Crunchyroll's Dominance in Western Anime Distribution

For Crunchyroll, this agreement further solidifies its dominant position as the premier Western distributor of Japanese animation. The Sony-owned company proudly boasts that it has distributed 12 of the top 20 highest-grossing anime releases in U.S. history, including the global sensation 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' from last year. This new partnership with Makoto Shinkai is set to extend Crunchyroll's impressive theatrical run and reinforce its influence in the international anime market.

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