Netflix has signed a deal with Japanese animation studio Ponoc to stream its upcoming movies. writes about this Hollywood Reporter He adds that the company was founded in 2015 by former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura.
The first movie Netflix will show will be Imaginary Friend, which will be released later this year after a special screening in Japan.
“Studio Ponoc is excited to bring our story-driven and innovative hand-drawn animated films to all audiences, especially children and their families, to enjoy together on Netflix around the world,” said Nishimura.
The film’s director added: “Netflix’s genuine commitment to supporting animation as a vital and valuable storytelling medium and developing high-quality and innovative animation makes Netflix a truly great partner.”
The Hollywood Reporter highlights that animation has proven to be an area where Netflix has achieved significant success. Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” won the Oscar for best animated film of 2023, and Adam Sandler’s “Leo” became Netflix’s biggest animated movie yet and has been on the streamer’s top 10 lists for several weeks remained.
This week is the comic book adaptation of ND. Stevenson’s Nimona was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
According to the studio, Imaginary Friend “shows the depth of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary friend Rudger. Their fantasy adventures, which begin in his attic, lead them to discover a magical world of creatures and places they have never seen before, until a sinister force threatens to destroy their dream world and the friendships within it.”
It is directed by successful animator Yoshiyuki Momose, who worked on Ghibli classics such as Spirited Away and Porco Rosso.
Before appeared Hayao Miyazaki’s new animated film to be released in the summer of 2023.
Previously Netflix promised to release Anime series based on the “Scott Pilgrim” comic book.