Mononoke: The Movie – Netflix Confirms Anime Release Amidst Leak Controversy

An unprecedented Netflix breach over the summer left fans with a surprising revelation. Among the leaked titles was an anime film that many have eagerly awaited – Mononoke, The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain. Initially unknown to be part of the streamer’s catalog, Netflix has now officially confirmed that the film will be available on the platform following its debut in October.

Revisiting the World of Mononoke

The movie, directed by the esteemed Kenji Nakamura, marks a long-anticipated return to the eerie yet captivating world introduced in the 2007 anime series, itself a spinoff of Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales. For fans who have cherished the original, this film promises to be a visual and narrative treat.

Netflix revealed a tantalizing description for the new film, which is set for a US premiere at the Animation is Film Festival in October:

“Set in the Ōoku, the women’s quarters of Edo Castle, the film offers unprecedented visual beauty, illustrated like a painted handscroll. Through bold art, new animation techniques fusing computer graphics and Japanese paper textures, an abundance of distinctive shots, and unique use of color, it creates a stunning and immersive world. Along with the peculiar grace of the Medicine Seller, the film draws viewers into a rich and deep setting.”

An Intricate Cast of Characters

The voice cast for this visually stunning film remains as rich and diverse as ever. Leading the Japanese voice cast, which will also see an English dub, are:

Hiroshi Kamiya as Medicine Seller

Tomoyo Kurosawa as Asa

Aoi Yuki as Kame

Mami Koyama as Utayama

Kana Hanazawa as Kitagawa

Haruka Tomatsu as Botan Otomo

Yuki Kaji as Saburomaru

Jun Fukuyama as Hiramoto

Yukana as Mugitani

Yuhko Kaida as Awashima

Fans of the series will undoubtedly be thrilled to hear familiar voices lending depth and personality to the characters they love.

Official Trailer and More

On Netflix Anime, the new trailer for Mononoke: The Movie – The Phantom in the Rain has been met with rave reviews, being described as “staggeringly beautiful” and “jaw-dropping” by ScreenRant. The trailer stays true to the unique and haunting style of the original series, ensuring the continuity in aesthetic appeal that fans cherish.

The Breach and Its Impact

The intriguing part of this tale doesn’t merely lie in the movie’s content. Earlier this year, Netflix faced a significant breach through one of its third-party partners, leading to the leakage of nearly a dozen titles. Alongside Mononoke, The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain, other titles like Spellbound, Plankton, and the anime Dan da Dan were also caught in the leak.

While no official release date for the movie has been set, there’s a strong possibility it will be available on Netflix before the end of the year. As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to rich storytelling and breathtaking visuals.

Conclusion

As we eagerly await Mononoke: The Movie – The Phantom in the Rain on Netflix, it’s evident that the new movie is set to be a groundbreaking addition to the anime world. Blending traditional Japanese art styles with modern animation techniques, the film is poised to captivate audiences globally. For those who have yet to delve into the world of Mononoke, now is the perfect time to catch up on the original 2007 series, available globally on Netflix since March 2023. Set reminders, prepare your snacks, and get ready for an immersive experience.

Yes, apart from the Japanese voice cast, there will also be an English dub available.

The new trailer has been described as “staggeringly beautiful” and “jaw-dropping,” maintaining the style of the original series.

Other leaked titles included more Western-centric ones like Spellbound and Plankton, as well as the anime Dan da Dan.

While no official release date has been set, it is expected to be available before the end of the year.