Making a name for itself in 2017 with hit film Mary and the Witch’s Flower, Japanese animation house Studio Ponoc continues to grow as an alternative to Studio Ghibli. Founded by former Studio Ghibli lead producer Yoshiaki Nishimura (When Marnie Was There), Studio Ponoc is back and teaming with Netflix on their latest feature, The Imaginary, which hits the streamer next month.
Released in Japan last year, The Imaginary centers on an imaginary friend who must join other imaginaries to reunite with best friend. Is this the year of movies based on imaginary friends, or what?
The English voice cast includes Louie Rudge-Buchanan, Evie Kiszel, Hayley Atwell, Sky Katz, Jeremy Swift, Kal Penn, LeVar Burton, Jane Singer, Ruby Barnhill, Roger Craig Smith, Courtenay Taylor, and Miles Nibbe.
The film is directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, who directed episodes of Studio Ponoc’s Modest Heroes anthology and was a key animator on Porco Rosso, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and Spirited Away.
Here’s the synopsis: 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 (Spirited Away), The Imaginary is an unforgettable adventure of love, loss, and the healing power of imagination.
Netflix premieres The Imaginary on July 5th.
