Kiki the Little Witch will become a live-action series

37 years after the Studio Ghibli classic, the young apprentice witch is preparing to return in a live-action series. A first for the universe imagined by Eiko Kadono.

After having enchanted several generations of cinema spectators, Kiki the little witch will experience a new life on television. BBC Studios Kids & Family, British company Wheel in Motion and Japanese group Kadokawa Corporation have announced the development of a live-action series inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s cult film.

This will be the very first live-action television adaptation of Eiko Kadono’s work.

Currently in development, the series will have 10 30-minute episodes and will be mainly inspired by the first volume of the literary saga, which has six.

The story will always follow Kiki, a young 13-year-old witch who leaves her family to complete her apprenticeship year. Accompanied by her faithful black cat Jiji, she settles in the port town of Koriko where she launches an air delivery service while discovering independence, friendship and her place in the world.

Because long before Miyazaki, there was Eiko Kadono’s book.

Published in Japan in 1985, Kiki’s Delivery Service has sold several million copies around the world.

Four years later, Hayao Miyazaki made one of Studio Ghibli’s most popular films, which has become an essential classic of Japanese animation. This new adaptation also comes as the series of novels celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The writing was entrusted to Irena Brignull, known in particular for her work on The Boxtrolls. The author said she was particularly enthusiastic about introducing Kiki to a new generation:

“Kiki is one of the great female characters in fiction. She embodies the magic of change and human encounters. Her story shows what is possible when you venture out into the world with courage and generosity.“

Same enthusiasm from Eiko Kadono, notably rewarded with the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen prize.

“Kiki is about to leave for a new adventure in a new world. I have no doubt it will be a great series and I can’t wait to see it come to life.“

The series will have to face an important challenge: convincing the many admirers of Miyazaki’s film while finding its own identity.

No casting and no dates announced yet.