Kiki’s Delivery Service Live-Action Series Announced by BBC Studios

BBC Studios Kids & Family has announced a new partnership with UK-based production company Wheel in Motion and Japan’s Kadokawa Corporation to develop the first-ever live-action television series based on the classic Kiki’s Delivery Service. The upcoming adaptation, which will consist of 10 episodes each 30 minutes in length, is scheduled to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the original book series written by Eiko Kadono.

The series will draw its narrative from the first volume of Kadono’s six-book collection, which was originally published by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers in 1985. The story follows a 13-year-old witch named Kiki who leaves her family home to establish a delivery service in the town of Koriko. While the title is widely recognized globally due to the 1989 animated feature directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this new project marks the first time the intellectual property will be adapted for television in a live-action format.

Production and Creative Leadership

The project is being developed as an international co-production, bringing together creative teams from both the United Kingdom and Japan. According to a joint statement provided by the companies involved, the production aims to honor the spirit of the source material while introducing the character to a new global audience. Screenwriter Irena Brignull, whose previous credits include The Little Prince and The Boxtrolls, has been tapped to write the series.

“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,” Brignull said in a statement. “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.”

Takeo Kodera, director of international co-productions at Kadokawa, emphasized the significance of the collaboration for the book’s milestone anniversary. “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,” Kodera stated. Author Eiko Kadono also expressed her support for the project, noting that she is confident the creative team will successfully translate the story to the screen.

Studio Ghibli’s Continued Presence in Cinemas

While the new live-action series moves into development, the legacy of the 1989 animated adaptation remains a primary focus for distributors. Studio Ghibli films continue to see theatrical demand, with the 1997 epic Princess Mononoke scheduled for a new IMAX release in the United Kingdom and Ireland. According to official release data, the film will be available in a 4K restoration across more than 50 IMAX locations starting August 15.

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This re-release follows a broader strategy of returning the Studio Ghibli back catalogue to the big screen. Previous efforts in this cycle included the return of My Neighbor Totoro to UK cinemas last summer, followed by Spirited Away. The 4K restoration for Princess Mononoke was previously released in North American markets earlier this year, marking the first time the film has been presented in that quality level.

What Happens Next

As of mid-2024, production on the Kiki’s Delivery Service live-action series is in its early stages, with the creative team focusing on the adaptation of the first volume of the book series. No casting details or specific release dates for the television series have been confirmed by BBC Studios or Kadokawa Corporation. Further updates regarding production timelines and casting decisions are expected to be released through official corporate channels as the development process continues. Readers interested in following the progress of the series can monitor official announcements from BBC Studios Kids & Family for future updates.