Summary

Makoto Shinkai can be considered a revolutionary within the anime industry. His works have inspired millions of people and brought joy to even more. Naturally, Makoto Shinkai has built quite a healthy fanbase that is always on the lookout for updates regarding the creator’s new projects.

Recently, Makoto Shinkai sat down withNewtype magazine and disclosed a big detail about his new work. He has confirmed that his new project will be surprising and different from anything that he has ever done before. This effectively means that Shinkai’s next project will possibly see him abandon his usual theme of romance. It is indeed a surprising decision, as one could say that he has mastered the use of romantic elements in his films.

Featured That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime New Anime Film Announced For 2026

Why Is Makoto Shinkai Changing His Approach?

Makoto Shinkai’s last three projects have had romantic themes sprinkled over them, and until now, he didn’t feel the need to change things. His decision may be surprising, but it’s understandable that he wants to experiment and challenge himself to produce something unique. Whether the new project will enjoy the same level of success as his previous ones remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: it will be a valuable experience for him.

Judging from his words, Makoto Shinkai has already decided on a premise and possibly even completed the scripts. His last film came out in 2022, so it is plausible to assume that his next project will be revealed in late 2025 or early 2026. In fact, some reports have confirmed that hewill announce the project in 2025.

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The New Project Might Be Released In 2026

In case it’s announced in 2026, it willjoin That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, which is also releasing a new film. In terms of popularity, only a handful of other Isekai anime come close to That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime. Ever since the anime adaptation was released, the series has only grown in terms of fame. It is one of the few Isekai titles to have sold more than 40 million copies. This number is higher than most shonen series, which shows how much fans love That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime.

Going back to Makoto Shinkai and his new project, fans can expect it to be visually stunning. Almost every frame in his films has a certain appeal that cannot be matched by others, and it has been a crucial factor in their popularity. Aside from revealing that the new project will go in a different direction, Makoto Shinkai has been tight-lipped about it, but hopefully, that will change soon.