Crunchyroll, Sony Nab Makoto Shinkai’s Untitled Next Anime Film for Global Release

Crunchyroll has acquired the worldwide distribution rights to Makoto Shinkai’s next feature film, with the exception of territories in Asia, excluding India. This agreement marks another collaboration between Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures, following their previous partnership on the global distribution of Shinkai’s film "Suzume," which was released in 2023. The details regarding the title, plot, and release date of the upcoming film have not been disclosed at this time. Makoto Shinkai is a renowned director whose last three films have achieved significant commercial success, grossing a combined total of $874 million worldwide. This financial performance underscores Shinkai's prominence in the anime film industry and the anticipation surrounding his new project. The strategic partnership between Crunchyroll and Sony aims to leverage Shinkai's established fanbase and the growing global interest in anime. The acquisition by Crunchyroll is part of a broader trend of increasing investment in anime content by major entertainment companies. By securing the rights to Shinkai's next film, Crunchyroll continues to position itself as a key player in the distribution of anime outside of Asia. This move is expected to enhance the platform's offerings and attract a wider audience for anime films globally.