Toei Animation has struck a new strategic collaboration with Lionsgate.
Their first joint venture begins with Lionsgate serving as the North American distribution partner for its upcoming animated feature Monkey Quest. The film will hit theaters in wide release in 2027 with support from Lionsgate, which will provide theatrical distribution and marketing services.
In the new deal, Lionsgate will be Toei Animation’s distribution partner in the U.S. for new projects that the anime giant produces. Lionsgate will also be a first stop for Toei Animation on future co-productions.
Best-known for their anime series One Piece, Digimon: Digital Monsters, and many others, Toei Animation will expand their reach to North American theatrical feature film audiences. Monkey Quest continues the studio’s legacy of creating animated projects that connect with audiences globally and across generations.
“We are excited to begin this relationship with Lionsgate and thrilled to bring Monkey Quest to North American audiences,” said Toei Animation sales and planning head and senior executive officer Atsushi Suzuki. “This film represents a new chapter for us as we expand our fanbase globally. We could not ask for a better partner to help us introduce our films to new audiences.”
“We’re delighted to be Toei Animation’s new partner as they bring their feature films to U.S. audiences, and Monkey Quest is just the beginning,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group business strategy executive vice president Geobert Abboud. “Their impact in the anime space with One Piece, Digimon, and so many other projects is undeniable, and we look forward to seeing how we can build on this momentum.”
Monkey Quest is an epic, action-packed adventure featuring an all-star voice cast led by Auli’i Cravalho (Moana, Mean Girls), Adam Devine (The Righteous Gemstones, The Out-Laws), J.K. Simmons (Whiplash, The Westies), Sam Richardson (Veep, The Afterparty), Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect), Anna Chlumsky (Veep, Inventing Anna), and Jonathan Kite (2 Broke Girls).
Set in a near-future world where wonder and danger collide, a fearless teenage girl and her brother, desperate to find their missing parents, awaken Okon, Earth’s long-forgotten protector with extraordinary power. As this unlikely trio embarks on a high-stakes, surprise-filled journey, they must learn to trust one another and discover what it truly means to be a family.
The film features a story co-created by Naoto Oshima, the original character designer behind Sonic the Hedgehog, directed by David N. Weiss (writer Shrek 2) and co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine (Kung-Fu Panda 4) and Takao Noguchi (character designer How to Train Your Dragon, The Croods).
Charades is handling international sales for the film outside of the U.S.
(Image Source: Toei Animation)
