Draft:Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain

Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain (劇場版「モノノ怪 唐傘」) is an upcoming Japanese animated supernatural psychological horror film directed by Kenji Nakamura based on the Mononoke anime television series, which in turn is a spin-off of Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, both created by Toei Animation. Produced by EOTA and co-distributed by Giggly Box and Twin Engine, the film stars Hiroshi Kamiya as the voice of the Medicine Seller, alongside Tomoyo Kurosawa, Aoi Yūki, Mami Koyama, Kana Hanazawa, Haruka Tomatsu, Yoko Hikasa, Yūko Kaida, Yukana, Yuki Kaji, Jun Fukuyama, Daisuke Hosomi, Miyu Irino and Kenjiro Tsuda. Phantom in the Rain will be released in Japan on July 26, 2024.

Synopsis
In Ōoku, a maid named Asa is trying to advance her career, while a woman named Kasa is seeking her dream in Ōoku, participates in a "special ceremony". As the elderly Kayama hides the truth from the group, the Medicine Seller arrives, and unravels the horrifying and painful truth behind the heart of Ōoku.

Production
In June 2022, it was announced that Mononoke anime series will receive a film adaptation in 2023, with Kenji Nakamura returning to direct the film, while EOTA handling the animation. On February 2023, it was announced the role of the Medicine Seller was recast to Hiroshi Kamiya, after Takahiro Sakurai's controversy. Additional staff members were also revealed, with Yūichi Takahashi serving as a character designer from Kitsuneko Nagata's original character concept, music composed by Taku Iwasaki. In March 2024, Tomoyo Kurosawa, Aoi Yūki and Mami Koyama was cast for the film. In April of that year, more cast members were announced, along with Aina the End providing the theme song for the film, titled "Love Sick".

Release
The film was slated to release in 2023, but was later postponed to July 26, 2024. It will also be released in Montreal at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival the same month.

Adaptations
A light novel adaptation by Yasumi Atarashi was published by Kadokawa in Japan on June 13, 2024. A manga adaptation by Kitsuneko Nagata was serialized on Monthly Shōnen Sirius magazine on May 26, 2024.