FUNimation Entertainment announced Friday its acquisition of U.S. rights to Mamoru Hosoda’s new Japanese animated film “The Boy and The Beast.”

As part of its agreement with Gaumont International, FUNimation has secured exclusive rights to theatrical, digital and home video distribution of the film.

“We’re excited to bring The Boy and The Beast to audiences across the United States,” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of FUNimation. “Mamoru Hosoda is a masterful director and has made Japanese animated film accessible to everyone.”

FUNimation has distributed two prior Hosoda films in the U.S. including the critically acclaimed and award-winning “Wolf Children” in 2013 and “Summer Wars” in 2010.

“We are looking forward to working with Gaumont International and plan to release ‘The Boy and The Beast’ to theaters beginning in late 2015,” said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of FUNimation.

As the North American leader in the distribution of animated content from Japan, FUNimation’s acquisition of “The Boy and The Beast” exemplifies the company’s strategy announced in December 2014 — to bring to theaters its extensive library of content and future releases through the creation of a new theatrical events and distribution division based in New York City.

FUNimation Entertainment is a leading anime company in North America.

Photo courtesy: FUNimation Entertainment