Neon Acquires Hirokazu Kore-eda's 'Sheep in the Box' for U.S. Release
Neon, the indie label known for its bold and innovative acquisitions, has secured the U.S., U.K., and Australian rights to Hirokazu Kore-eda's highly anticipated film, 'Sheep in the Box'. The film, currently in production, stars Haruka Ayase and Daigo, marking Daigo's feature debut. Neon plans a nationwide U.S. release, following their previous collaboration on the critically acclaimed 'Broker', which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.
'Sheep in the Box' is set in a near-future world where a couple welcomes a state-of-the-art humanoid into their home as their son. The title draws inspiration from the beloved French children's novel, 'The Little Prince'. This marks Kore-eda's continued exploration of family dynamics and the complexities of human relationships, a theme that has defined his acclaimed body of work.
The film is produced by Fuji Television Network, Gaga Corporation, Toho, and AOI Pro, with Gaga Corporation representing international sales alongside Goodfellas. The deal was negotiated by Sarah Colvin of Neon. Kore-eda's previous films include the Palme d'Or winner and Oscar-nominated 'Shoplifters', as well as Cannes prizewinners 'Like Father, Like Son', 'Monster', and 'Nobody Knows'.
Neon's recent acquisitions include Baz Luhrmann's 'Epic: Elvis Presley in Concert' and Steven Soderbergh's 'The Christophers', both set for release in 2026. The company is also behind five official submissions for this year's Oscars international feature race, showcasing their commitment to diverse and high-quality cinema. With 'Sheep in the Box', Neon continues to showcase its dedication to supporting acclaimed filmmakers and delivering unique cinematic experiences to audiences across the United States.
