Studio Ponoc’s upcoming animated film, The Imaginary, will premiere in Japan on December 15.
As detailed on Anime News Network, Ponoc recently revealed the official release date of the film along with a new promotional poster. Although The Imaginary was originally scheduled to premiere last summer, Ponoc was forced to delay the film due to “new challenges” related to both the production process and the COVID-19 pandemic. that caused delays to many other highly anticipated series, including Doga Kobo’s Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie TV series. In Japan, the film will be released under the title Rudger in the Attic.
The Imaginary is based on the 2014 children’s novel of the same name. Written by AF Harrold and illustrated by Emily Gravett, the story revolves around a young girl named Amanda and her friendship with her imaginary friend, Rudger. One day, Amanda realizes that Rudger has attracted the attention of Mr. Bunting, a rumored fantasy hunter. Fearing for his life, Rudger fled, though not knowing if he could survive beyond his best friend. Ponoc revealed the first official teaser for The Imaginary last year.
Imagination has been delayed by COVID
The film’s director, Yoshiyuki Momose, served as Principal Animator for Studio Ghibli, working on such iconic works as Spirited Away, Grave of the Fireflies, Porco Rosso, and Whisper of the Heart, among others. other works. He also directed Ni No Kuni, Level 5’s spinoff film for the popular video game franchise of the same name. The Imaginary is produced by Ponoc founder Yoshiaki Nishimura (Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Tales of Earthsea), who previously served as a lead film producer at Studio Ghibli.
Ponoc’s last major work was the 2018 anthology film Humble Heroes, which includes three animated shorts by Yoshiyuki Momose, Akihiko Yamashita (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, The Cat Returns) and Hiromasa Yonebayashi (The Secret World of Arriety.) The studio is also known for its 2017 fantasy film, Mary and the Witch’s Flower, which was adapted from Mary Stewart’s 1971 novel The Little Broomstick. The film revolves around a young woman. A young girl named Mary who is transported to a magical world after exploding a magical flower on an old broomstick. There, she meets Mrs. Mumblechook, who secretly covets the flower that has given Mary temporary strength. GKIDS produced the English version of the film.
The Imaginary will premiere in Japan on December 15. Mary and the Witch’s Flower is available now on Netflix.
Source: Anime News Network