Founded in 2015 by Yoshiaki Nishimura, former lead film producer of Studio Ghibli and two-time Academy Award nominee for producing “The Tale of Princess Kaguya,” “When Marnie Was There”), Studio Ponoc has quickly emerged as a Japanese animation studio to watch. Known for “Mary and the Witch’s Flower” (2017) and 2018’s “Modest Heroes,” their latest is the animated fantasy film “The Imaginary.”
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Released last year in Japan, Netflix is premiering the Studio Ponoc film in North America and other territories this summer, giving it the global exposure it deserves. The film is directed by Yoshiyuki Momose (“Modest Heroes,” “Tomorrow’s Leaves“), also known for his key animation works from Studio Ghibli on films like “Porco Rosso,” “Whisper of the Heart,” and “Spirited Away.” Written by the aforementioned Studio Ponoc founder Nishimura, the film is based on A.F. Harrold’s novel of the same name.
The film centers on Rudger, a made-up, “imaginary” friend, who gets separated from his best friend Amanda and must team up with lost Imaginaries to get back to her before he fades away.
Here’s the official 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.
The voice cast of “Imaginary” 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.
“Imaginary” features a main theme song, “Nothing’s Impossible,” performed by A Great Big World featuring Rachel Platten. The animated film debuts on Netflix on July 5, 2024. Watch the first official trailer below.
