The new Japanese science fiction drama "Sheep in the Box" is set to premiere in U.S. theaters on Friday, July 31. Written and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, the film features Haruka Ayase and Daigo Yamamoto as a couple who adopt a humanoid robot infant, played by Rimu Kuwaki, following the death of their son.
The movie, which first opened in Japan on May 31, premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in May. Kore-eda, known for the Oscar-nominated 2018 film "Shoplifters" and more recent works such as "Broker" (2022) and "Monster" (2023), explores themes of artificial intelligence and the nature of maternal love.
"Sheep in the Box" is a Neon release and will be exclusively available in theaters initially. It is not currently available to stream on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. The film is expected to become available for digital purchase or rental approximately one month after its theatrical release, likely in late August or early September 2026.
While Neon films have historically found their way to Hulu due to a 2017 output deal, recent releases suggest a shift. The 2026 Neon film "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert" is heading to Paramount+, indicating uncertainty about the future of the Neon-Hulu partnership. The acquisition of a significant stake in Neon by new production studio Department M, founded by producers Michael Schaefer and Mike Larocca, could also influence future streaming distribution deals.
If "Sheep in the Box" follows the release pattern of the 2025 Neon film "No Other Choice," which began streaming on Hulu about four months after its theatrical debut, it might become available on Hulu around late November 2026. However, this remains unconfirmed. For audiences in the U.S. eager to see the film, attending a theatrical screening is currently the only option.