EXCLUSIVE: Lionsgate and Toei Animation have struck a new strategic collaboration beginning with the former serving as the North American distribution partner for upcoming animated feature Monkey Quest, which will hit theaters in 2027.
In the new deal, Lionsgate will be Toei Animation’s distribution partner in the U.S. for new projects that the anime studio produces. Lionsgate will also be a first stop for Toei Animation on future co-productions.
Toei is best-known for their anime series One Piece, Digimon: Digital Monsters, and many others.
Monkey Quest is an 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.
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The movie has 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).
“We are excited to begin this relationship with Lionsgate and thrilled to bring Monkey Quest to North American audiences,” said Atsushi Suzuki, Senior Executive Officer, Head of Sales and Planning, Toei Animation. “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 Geobert Abboud, EVP, Business Strategy, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “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.”
Charades is handling international sales for Monkey Quest outside the U.S.
