Acclaimed Japanese animation director Makoto Shinkai has confirmed that he spent 2024 working on a new feature film, with details expected to be unveiled in 2025. The director, known for global hits such as Your Name., Weathering With You, and Suzume, shared the update in a New Year’s message, expressing his excitement about “building a new world that no one has seen before” with his team.
A Glimpse into the Next Original Story
Shinkai’s announcement, made on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on December 31, 2024, reassured fans eagerly awaiting his next masterpiece. He stated, “Happy New Year! I spent 2024 working on my new film. It is a great privilege to create an entirely new world that no one has ever seen before from the ground up together with my team.” He added that he would do his best to announce something about it “somehow this year,” referring to 2025, and wished everyone a peaceful 2025.
The director’s emphasis on “creating an entirely new world” suggests that, consistent with his previous successful endeavors, the upcoming project will be an original story rather than an adaptation. This trend of crafting imaginative and original animated narratives has become a hallmark of Shinkai’s work, captivating audiences worldwide.
Anticipation for an Original Narrative
Fans are particularly excited by the prospect of another original story, as Shinkai’s films often blend genres like sci-fi, romance, and fantasy while maintaining a unique feel for each project. While specific plot details remain tightly under wraps, speculation from online sources hints that the new film might lean towards a full sci-fi narrative set in the future, potentially diverging from the romantic elements that have defined some of his earlier works. This could mark a new thematic direction for the director, focusing more on futuristic themes and new worlds.
When to Expect More Details and Potential Release
While an official release date for the new film has not been announced, Shinkai’s message implies that the project is nearing completion, with the director preparing to reveal its title and concept in 2025. Industry observers and fan communities anticipate that a teaser trailer could drop in late 2025, with a possible premiere in 2026.
Shinkai’s Track Record of Success
Makoto Shinkai has firmly established himself as an industry powerhouse over the past decade. His 2016 film Your Name. became a global phenomenon, breaking genre barriers with its mind-blowing sci-fi romance and becoming one of the highest-grossing Japanese films of all time. He continued this success with Weathering with You (2019) and Suzume (2022), both of which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Suzume, his most recent feature, received nominations at the 81st Golden Globe Awards and the 51st Annie Awards, and was also nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars 2024.
The consistent quality and unique storytelling in his films have led to immense anticipation for each new project, solidifying his place among esteemed animation directors like Hayao Miyazaki.
Other Upcoming Projects in Shinkai’s Universe
Alongside the excitement for his new animated feature, fans can also look forward to a live-action adaptation of Shinkai’s 2007 film, 5 Centimeters Per Second. This adaptation is slated for a Fall 2025 release, further expanding the director’s universe into new mediums. Hokuto Matsumura, who previously voiced Souta Munakata in Suzume, has been cast as Takaki Tono in the live-action rendition.
The upcoming announcements and releases highlight a busy and exciting period for Makoto Shinkai and his dedicated global fanbase.
