Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Secure Most Worldwide Rights for Makoto Shinkai Film
Crunchyroll has acquired most of the worldwide distribution rights for the next animated film from director Makoto Shinkai, partnering with Sony Pictures for the release. The deal covers territories globally, with the notable exception of Asia—except for India—where Crunchyroll will still distribute.
Quick facts
- Crunchyroll acquired most worldwide distribution rights for Shinkai’s new film.
- Crunchyroll’s distribution will not include Asia except India.
- The acquisition is the result of a collaboration with Sony Pictures.
- Crunchyroll and Sony have not revealed details such as the film’s title.
- In November 2025, Shinkai said he was working on a new film but couldn’t officially announce it yet.
Even with the distribution rights secured, Crunchyroll has kept the project under wraps. No plot details or the film’s title have been shared, so fans will have to wait for further updates about the production currently underway.
Shinkai previously addressed the project in November 2025, stating he was occupied with another film alongside “trusted companions,” while also saying he couldn’t make the announcement official at that stage. That earlier comment now lines up with this latest confirmation that a new Shinkai feature is moving through the pipeline.
Why this deal matters: a proven Shinkai track record
This isn’t the first time Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures have worked together on a Shinkai release. In 2022, they jointly handled the global distribution of Suzume, which went on to earn more than $300 million worldwide. The film also won Best Film at the eighth Crunchyroll Anime Awards and received a Golden Globe nomination.
Beyond the upcoming title, several Shinkai films are already established with major streaming and awards history. On Netflix, viewers can find Your Name (2016) and Weathering with You (2019). Your Name became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, while Weathering with You was Japan’s official Oscar entry in the Best International Feature Film category.
For players and anime fans who prefer ownership, Shinkai’s films are also available on home video in Italy through Dynit.
