Between the news that Hayao Miyazaki is potentially making another film and the exciting update that The Boy and the Heron is coming to Max, Studio Ghibli fans have been eating. However, we hope fans still have space for one more serving because we have another awesome update regarding legend Yoshiyuki Momose!
Yoshiyuki Momose, the same masterful animator/director who worked on Spirited Away, Only Yesterday, and Grave of the Fireflies, has put his director's hat back on to bring us The Imaginary, a brand-new Netflix anime film that is sure to take our breath away. The film comes to Netflix on Friday, July 5. While we wait, here's what you should know about the release.
The Imaginary tells a story about never losing that childlike wonder
Amanda is a young girl with a beautiful and big imagination. So big that she creates an imaginary friend, Rudger, to play with and go on many adventures with.
One day, Rudger discovers that he's not the only imaginary friend, as a huge society full of other people's imaginary friends exists. But with this discovery also comes the realization that some of these imaginary friends have been forgotten, prompting Rudger to come to terms with the fact that reality might be something that could threaten his entire existence.
Read more of the official synopsis below.
"Studio Ponoc's The Imaginary portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger, a boy no one can see imagined by Amanda to share her thrilling make-believe adventures. But when Rudger, suddenly alone, arrives at The Town of Imaginaries, where forgotten Imaginaries live and find work, he faces a mysterious threat. Directed by renowned animator Yoshiyuki Momose, The Imaginary is an unforgettable adventure of love, loss, and the healing power of imagination."Netflix Media Center
And you can check out what's to come with the official trailer for the upcoming anime film here.
The cast of this film includes many famous names that you know and love, including Louie Rudge-Buchanan, LeVar Burton, Jane Singer, Roger Craig Smith, Courtenay Taylor, Ruby Barnhill, Sky Katz, Miles Nibb, Evie Kiszel, Kal Penn, Jeremy Swift, and Hayley Atwell.
I suppose you're already excited about what's to come, right? You'll also be glad to know that the film is confirmed to be approximately 108 minutes long, meaning you'll get to enjoy this one on a Friday family movie night!
With a cast and crew this stacked, missing out on this film isn't something you want to do! Be sure to catch the premiere of The Imaginary on Friday, July 5 on Netflix!