Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures have officially announced that they have acquired the global distribution rights for most of director Makoto Shinkai’s new film. These rights cover regions excluding most of Asia, with India as an exception.
Details on Makoto Shinkai's New Film
In the recent announcement, details regarding director Makoto Shinkai's new film, especially the title, were not disclosed. However, the director mentioned on social media in November 2025 that he is working on a new project with "trusted colleagues." Fans are eagerly awaiting further announcements.
Background of 'Suzume no Tojimari' Success
Director Shinkai's previous film, 'Suzume no Tojimari,' premiered in Japan in November 2022, achieving the number one spot in box office earnings during its opening weekend. The film was later released in North America in April 2023, available in both English-subtitled and English-dubbed versions. It ranked number one in box office earnings on its opening day in many countries, ultimately grossing 14.79 billion yen (approximately 153 million USD) in Japan. The movie is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Sony and Crunchyroll's Distribution Strategy
The new Makoto Shinkai film will be co-distributed by Sony Pictures and Crunchyroll in regions excluding Asia. This will enable the new film to be accessible in a wide range of areas, including India. Crunchyroll has a strong track record of distributing Shinkai's works extensively, and this endeavor is expected to leverage their existing network.
