Crunchyroll has announced the launch of Storyworks, a division that will develop anime stories for global audiences and produce live-action adaptations of Japanese anime. Ravi Ahuja, president and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, unveiled the initiative at the Anime Future Forum, held on October 7 at the Javits Center in New York.Storyworks will bring together Crunchyroll, Aniplex, Sony Pictures and Japan's creative community. Tohru Iokibe, a 25-year Sony veteran, will lead the division and report to Crunchyroll chief content officer Asa Suehira. The aim is to involve Japanese creators in preserving the original vision of projects intended for HAYATE, Crunchyroll's joint venture with Aniplex.Ahuja said protecting the identity of these productions is central to the industry's expansion. He said Storyworks aims to keep creators' visions at the heart of development.The event also screened new footage from Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and shared details about its production.The inaugural forum brought together 40 speakers, including James Gunn and Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson replaced Guillermo del Toro, who had previously been announced as a guest.Also announced was the international expansion of Crunchyroll Manga, a premium add-on service offering English-language versions of more than 250 titles. The markets include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, Nepal and Pakistan. J-Novel Club, Square Enix and Yen Press are among the first publishing partners.Hideaki Nishino, president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, announced a dedicated hub for anime and anime-inspired games on the PlayStation 5 home screen, with access to Crunchyroll. The launch is planned for next spring. The two brands are also partnering on the anime series Ghost of Tsushima: Legends.Crunchyroll also said its manga catalog will add new titles and publishers, including action titles from VIZ Media.
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