Crunchyroll Acquires Global Rights to Makoto Shinkai's New Film
Crunchyroll's acquisition signals a major global rollout for Shinkai's next film, following the company's handling of Suzume.
Reporting from 6 sources: Anime News Network, The Hollywood Reporter Anime, Anime Corner, AnimationXpress Anime, and 2 more.
Crunchyroll announced it acquired most worldwide distribution rights to Makoto Shinkai's new feature film, excluding almost all of Asia but including India. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures will co-distribute. No title or details were revealed. Shinkai said in November 2025 he was working on a new film with dependable companions.
Crunchyroll will co-distribute the film with Sony Pictures, a pairing that previously handled Suzume in North America. That film opened at number one in Japan in November 2022 and earned over US$10 million in the U.S. during its run. Crunchyroll also streamed Suzume, which remains available on the service.
Shinkai has not formally announced the new work. His November 2025 social media post described it as a new film made with dependable companions, without offering a title or release window. Crunchyroll's announcement likewise withholds details, leaving the project's name and timing unconfirmed.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 6 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Anime News Network News Crunchyroll to Release Makoto Shinkai's New Film Globally, Excluding Most of Asia
- The Hollywood Reporter Anime Crunchyroll, Sony Nab Makoto Shinkai’s Untitled Next Film for Global Release
- Anime Corner Makoto Shinkai’s Next Anime Film Secures Global Distribution by Crunchyroll, Director Says Theatrical Release Is Probably Not Far Away
- AnimationXpress Anime Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment to distribute Makoto Shinkai’s next anime film globally
- Animehunch Crunchyroll Acquires Global Rights For Makoto Shinkai’s Upcoming Movie
- OtakuKart Anime Makoto Shinkai’s Next Anime Film Gets Global Distribution Deal From Crunchyroll and Sony