The Studio Ponoc formed by the graduates of Studio Ghibli has revealed new updates about their film The Imaginary. The film is going to release in the Winter of 2023.
The Imaginary was first revealed with a motion poster and teaser on December 08, 2021. This is Studio Ponoc‘s first project in five years after ‘Mary and the Witch’s flower’ released in 2017 and it promises another heartfelt adventure.
The official website of Studio Ponoc states The Imaginary is an extraordinarily touching and beautiful hand-drawn fantasy film in which Rudger and his new friends living in “The Imaginaries Town” embark on an adventure, however, none of the characters can see that it is at risk of the future and fates of those they love.
- The film was set to hit theaters in the Summer of 2022. However, it was postponed on March 02, 2022, until further announcement, in light of the pandemic.
The Imaginary – postponed
Studio Ponoc expressed their desire to release a quality film in their postponement announcement released through their official website. They said that their talented artists and animators are continuing the tradition of creating splendidly beautiful hand-drawn animation and hand-painted backgrounds while carefully exploring new and innovative ways to tell stories.
This is an effort that they would like to make to make The Imaginary a quality film that the audience can appreciate. All these struggles and the pandemic have put them in a spot where they would have to delay the release of the film. Furthermore, they thank their audience for all the support they receive and they will be back soon with the film itself. Read more below and the updates on this Studio Ponoc’s upcoming release.
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More about The Imaginary
The hand-painted anime film is based on A.F Harrold’s children’s book with the same title. It was published in 2001 by Bloomsbury Publishing and illustrated by Emily Gavett. It tells the tale of Amanda Shuffleup and her imaginary friend Rudger as stated in the synopsis by the publishers.
“Nobody else can see Rudger–until the evil Mr. Bunting arrives at Amanda’s door. Mr. Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumor has it that he even eats them. And now he’s found Rudger.
Soon Rudger is alone and running for his imaginary life. He needs to find Amanda before Mr. Bunting catches him–and before Amanda forgets him and he fades away to nothing. But how can an unreal boy stand alone in the real world?”
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Latest Update
In their latest update of December 13, 2022, Studio Ponoc confirmed that the film ‘The Imaginary’ will release in Winter 2023. It will start in Japan and then would drop in theaters around the globe.
In the statement regarding the film’s release, they shared their eagerness about the premiere and updated that they are making plans to bring the film to the whole world. Their team is working hard and making great progress on the beautiful film.
- The Imaginary is directed by Yoshiyuki Momose. His famous work includes many Ghibli titles such as Only Yesterday (1991), Pom Poko (1994), Princess Mononoke (1997), and Spirited Away 2001.
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