Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron is Coming to Streaming

The Boy and the Heron, the latest creation from Hayao Miyazaki, will now be available on Netflix in areas beyond the US and Japan, marking a significant boost to the platform’s anime selection. This step is a continuation of an extended deal with the distinguished Studio Ghibli, initiated by Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki as per THR.

The Boy and the Heron, also known as Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru Ka, has fascinated audiences with its whimsical storytelling and breathtaking animation. Miyazaki’s return to filmmaking after ten years, The Boy and the Heron, explores his childhood memories and has been met with widespread acclaim, including the 2024 Best Animated Feature Oscar. It has also achieved commercial success, earning over $85 million at the Japanese box office and topping the North American box office charts with a record-breaking $12.8 million on its opening weekend.

Netflix’s acquisition of The Boy and the Heron is part of a broader deal that includes 22 additional Studio Ghibli films, such as the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Arrietty, Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, and The Tale of The Princess Kaguya. These films will be available for streaming in regions including Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, with subtitles in 28 languages and dubbing in up to 20 languages.

The partnership between Netflix and Studio Ghibli serves as evidence of Miyazaki’s storytelling’s ongoing attraction and the studio’s pledge to produce superior animated films. Thanks to this collaboration, fans worldwide can now easily access a rich collection of films that have charmed viewers for many years.

In the United States, Max has secured the streaming rights for The Boy and the Heron and will also serve as the exclusive platform for streaming Studio Ghibli’s films. This development is part of a multiyear extension of the deal between GKIDS, the North American distributor for Studio Ghibli, and Max, ensuring that the studio’s library remains on the Warner Bros. Discovery platform. Elizabeth Bannan Atcheson, VP Content Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery said:

“Our subscribers are always looking for unique stories, and we are happy to continue to offer these award-winning, critically acclaimed films and to add
The Boy and the Heron to our deep and rich Max content offering
.”

Hayao Miyazaki’s Unanticipated Comeback for The Boy and Heron

Toshio Suzuki, president of Studio Ghibli and longtime producer for Miyazaki, revealed the unexpected return of Miyazaki from retirement to create The Boy and Heron. Despite announcing his retirement in 2013, Miyazaki reached out to Suzuki in 2016, expressing his desire to make another film but intending to stay out of the public eye.

Suzuki was initially hesitant, but after reviewing storyboards that depicted a deeply personal and pessimistic narrative, he recognized Miyazaki’s strong drive to tell his life story through the film. The decisive moment for Suzuki came when Miyazaki, in a rare gesture, welcomed him with an offer of coffee, indicating his earnest desire to proceed with the project. Moved by this, Suzuki agreed to embark on the production of The Boy and Heron, marking Miyazaki’s return to filmmaking for seemingly the last time.

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As Netflix sets a premiere date for The Boy and the Heron later this year, anticipation is building among fans eager to experience Miyazaki’s latest creation. With its expanded Studio Ghibli collection, Netflix continues to solidify its position as a leading destination for anime fans and cinephiles.