Sunny manga adaptation attaches Tekkonkinkreet director

Modified Apr 17, 2025 15:30 GMT

Sunny manga adaptation attaches Tekkonkinkreet director (Image via Shogakukan)

Thursday, April 17, 2025 saw it reported that Michael Arias is set to direct the presumed animated film adaptation of author and illustrator Taiyo Matsumoto’s Sunny manga series. Although the film project has not been officially or specifically stated to be an adaptation, the film’s description very closely matches the manga’s synopsis.

Arias is likely best known as the director of the Tekkonkinkreet anime film, which established Arias as the first non-Japanese director of a major anime film. The Tekkonkinkreet anime film was also an adaptation of Matsumoto’s manga of the same name, hence the presumption Arias’ upcoming animated film adapts the Sunny manga.

Film adaptation of Sunny manga confirms director ahead of being highlighted at 2025 Cannes’ Animation Day

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While Arias’ attachment as director of the Sunny manga adaptation is the only new information, fans previously learned that the film is slated for completion in 2029. It’s also expected that additional information will soon be shared when the film is highlighted at the 2025 edition of Cannes’ Annecy Animation Showcase. The event will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 as a part of Cannes’ Animation Day. The upcoming anime film is described as follows by Variety:

“From “Tekkonkinkreet” director Michael Arias, “Sunny” is a moving narrative set in 1970s Japan. The film takes viewers inside Star Kids, a foster home that's a sanctuary for children caught in the cracks of society. Told through the eyes of its young inhabitants, Sunny explores the fragile strength of found families and childhood resilience.”

While no other information about the film is currently available as of this article’s writing, fans can expect to hear more in may after or at its Cannes’ event appearances. However, this hypothetical information is unlikely to be especially significant or plentiful given that the film is slated for completion in 2029. A sneak peek at the film in the form of a still image, or official confirmation of its adaptational identity seems the most likely information to be revealed.

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Aside from Tekkonkinkreet, Arias is likely best known as the producer of The Animatrix, Warner Bros’ Matrix-inspired animation anthology set in the original stories’ universe. This project directly preceded Arias’ work on Tekkonkinkreet, which is described as having been something of a passion project for him.

Matsumoto’s original Sunny manga series began serialization in Shogakukan’s Monthly Ikki magazine in December 2010. It ran there until 2014, then switched to Monthly Big Comic Spirits in 2015, ending in July of that year. The manga’s 37 chapters were collected into six compilation volumes, all of which are officially available in English as of this article’s writing. The upcoming anime film, presumably adapting the manga series, will be its first adaptational project.

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About the author

Joseph has been working as an anime content specialist for Sportskeeda since the past 2.5 years. Primarily covering his core genre, he also contributes to popular culture writing news stories and cult classic features on older series.

Joseph holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Delaware, United States. His love of anime, combined with his background in literature, influenced his interest in engaging readers through the written word. He maintains complete accuracy in his content by verifying each and every piece of information regardless of how long it takes, and ensure that the output is impartial and free of bias.

Chainsaw Man, One Piece, Berserk, Undead Unluck, Re:ZERO, Tower of God, Jujutsu Kaisen, Inuyasha, and Fire Punch are some of Joseph’s favorite animanga. His exposure to 4kids' Sonic X series, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Dragon Ball Z on Toonami fueled his enthusiasm for the medium.

When not dissecting anime plots, Joseph likes to cook, play games, work on cars, browse new music, and watch pro wrestling, especially AEW. He also enjoys ocean-based activities - beach trips, fishing, swimming and watersports.

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Edited by Joseph Brogan