Kiki's Delivery Service Novels Get Live-Action Series Adaptation from BBC Studios

For many years known only through Studio Ghibli's iconic anime film, Kiki's Delivery Service is now appearing in a completely different format. The project, based on Eiko Kadono's novel series of the same name, is being brought to life as a live-action television series in partnership with BBC Studios, Wheel in Motion, and Kadokawa. This marks the first time the novels have been adapted into a series format.

The series will be written by British author Irena Brignull, who has worked on productions such as The Boxtrolls and The Little Mermaid (2023). The series, planned to consist of ten 30-minute episodes, is currently in pre-production. No official announcement has been made regarding the cast or release date.

As a reminder, Kiki's Delivery Service tells the story of a young witch named Kiki who leaves home and starts her own business in a seaside town. The original novel was written by Eiko Kadono in 1985 and was highly acclaimed in Japan. Hayao Miyazaki's 1989 anime adaptation became a worldwide classic and captured the hearts of many generations. The new series will not be a remake of Miyazaki's film; it will offer a narrative faithful directly to Kadono's books.

This adaptation also stands out for being announced in a period where women writers and producers are in the spotlight. Irena Brignull's fairy tale-like and character-driven narrative from her previous works seems to fit Kiki's world very well. Additionally, Kadokawa's involvement in the project is an important step toward greater international representation of Japanese literature.

So why is this series so exciting? For one, Kiki's story is not just a childhood classic; with themes of growing up, independence, and self-discovery, it appeals to audiences of all ages. Moreover, the live-action format will offer a chance to explore the detailed world of the novels with a brand new visual language. We expect more information about casting and the filming schedule in the coming months. Stay tuned!