A new Kiki’s Delivery Service live-action series is on the way – check out all the details below.
Originally published in Japan by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers in 1985, the Kiki’s Delivery Service series of books sold millions worldwide. Later, in 1989, Studio Ghibli brought the series to the screen by director Miyazaki Hayao.
A new adaptation of the work is now on the way in time for its 40th anniversary.
As per Variety, BBC Studios Kids & Family this week unveiled a new partnership between production company Wheel in Motion, based in the UK, and Japan’s Kadokawa Corporation.
They will develop a live-action television series based on the famous work marking the first time it’s been brought to television screens.
The adaptation will see 10, 30 minute episodes adapted from the first volume of the six-book series, which follows 13-year-old witch Kiki. The character leaves home and moves to Koriko, where she starts a new delivery service.
In a statement, Grainne McNamara of BBC Studios Kids & Family said: “We are thrilled to be part of a collaboration to bring ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ to life for a new generation on a global stage.”
Alexi Wheeler of Wheel in Motion added: “Bringing this beloved story to a new audience as a live-action series is a dream come true and an absolute honor,” added Alexi Wheeler of Wheel in Motion.
Takeo Kodera, director of international co-productions at Kadokawa said: “We cannot imagine a more exciting tribute to the landmark 40th anniversary of this classic book series than this partnership. The UK creative team has absorbed the spirit of Kiki through their close collaboration with Ms. Kadono and the results will enchant family audiences everywhere.
“Kiki is about to set off on another adventure into a new world,” Kadono continued. “I’m confident this will be a great show. I can’t wait to see the series come to life.”
Irena Brignull, whose screen credits include The Little Prince, The Boxtrolls and Skellig, will write the series.
In a statement, Brignull added: “Kiki is one of fiction’s great girl characters and I’m thrilled to be part of bringing her to life in this new adaptation.
“Embodying the magic that exists in re-invention and human connection, she shows us what’s possible when you venture boldly and big-heartedly into the world to find a sense of purpose.”
In other news, the classic Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke is set to receive a new IMAX cinema release in the UK and Ireland.
The 1997 epic fantasy from director Hayao Miyazaki will be available in a brand new 4K restoration in over 50 IMAX sites in the UK and Ireland from August 15.
The film’s new restoration was released in the US and Canada earlier this year, marking the first time it has ever been shown in such quality.
It comes as part of a series of cinematic re-releases for the Studio Ghibli back catalogue, after My Neighbor Totoro returned to UK cinemas last summer and Spirited Away followed a few months later.