Kadokawa has announced they’re making a new Kiki’s Delivery Service live-action series with BBC Studios.
The new Kiki’s Delivery Service live-action series (via Variety) will retell the story based on author Eiko Kadono’s iconic fantasy novels, which inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s 1989 Studio Ghibli film of the same name.
The project is being developed as a 10 half-hour episode series and will focus mostly on the first book in Kadono’s six part book series. The story will follow Kiki’s initial departure from home, after which she begins training in the seaside city of Koriko – where she also starts a flying delivery business.
“Kiki is about to set off on another adventure into a new world,” said Kadono. “I’m confident this will be a great show. I can’t wait to see the series come to life.”
Production is being handled by BBC Studios, Kadokawa, and the London-based production company Wheel in Motion. While a release window and cast haven’t been announced, The Boxtrolls, Skellig, and Netflix’s The Little Prince writer Irena Brignull will 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,” said Brignull. “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.”
This isn’t the first live-action adaptation of the beloved novels, though, as Kadokawa produced a live-action film of the same name back in 2014. It was directed by Takashi Shimizu and starred Fuka Koshiba as Kiki, Ryōhei Hirota as Tombo, and Minako Kotobuki as Jiji.
“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,” said Grainne McNamara of BBC Studios Kids & Family.
Wheel in Motion’s Alexi Wheeler 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.
“We cannot imagine a more exciting tribute to the landmark 40th anniversary of this classic book series than this partnership,” said Takeo Kodera, director of international co-productions at Kadokawa. “The U.K. creative team has absorbed the spirit of Kiki through their close collaboration with Ms. Kadono and the results will enchant family audiences everywhere.”
