The official website of the upcoming anime film adaptation of A. F. Harrold’s The Imaginary announced on Dec 13, 2022, that it will be released in the Japanese theatres in Winter 2023. The exact date is yet to be revealed.

The staff also mentioned that they are planning to release the film worldwide.

“We are making plans to bring it to the whole world, too. Our team is hard at work, making great progress on our beautiful film which we can’t wait to share with you!“

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 website had previously revealed a teaser trailer and key visual for the film.

Teaser:

Key Visual:

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