The official website of the upcoming anime film adaptation of A. F. Harrold’s The Imaginary announced on July 14, 2023, that the film is set to debut in cinemas all across Japan on Dec 15, 2023.

A new key visual was also revealed to commemorate the announcement.

According to the website, promising to be a remarkable, joyful, thrilling, and emotionally moving story, the film showcases the studio’s commitment to delivering visually stunning artwork with hand-painted backgrounds.

Moreover, Studio Ponoc has hinted at using new and creative techniques in “The Imaginary,” adding a fresh twist to their traditional animation style.

The Imaginary was originally set to make its way to the theatres in Summer 2022, but had to delay its release date as they were exploring new and innovative ways to tell the story, and also due to the pandemic.

The Japanese name of the film is Yaneura no Rudger (Rudger In The Attic).

The film is directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, with Yoshiaki Nishimura producing it.

The Imaginary is a 2014 British children’s novel written by A. F. Harrold and illustrated by Emily Gravett. It is about a small girl, Amanda, and her imaginary friend, Rudger.

A.F. Harold’s official website describes the plot as:

Rudger is Amanda Shuffleup’s imaginary friend. It’s a funny old life, not really being there, but someone’s got to do it.

Nobody else can see Rudger – until the sinister Mr Bunting arrives at Amanda’s door. Mr Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumour says that he eats them. And he’s sniffed out Rudger.

Soon Rudger is alone, and running for his imaginary life. But can a boy who isn’t there survive without a friend to dream him up?

Source: Official Website