Studio Ghibli's Earwig and the Witch, the company's first fully 3D animated feature, debuted on Japan's NHK General channel on December 30, 2020. Now, GKIDS has announced plans to release the film in the United States in theaters and on HBO Max in early February 2021.
Based on the novel of the same name by English author Diana Wynne Jones, Earwig and the Witch tells the story of a young girl who grew up in an Orphanage unaware of her mother's magical powers. The headstrong girl's world is turned upside down when she's taken in by an eccentric couple and forced to live with a selfish witch. Undaunted by the invisible rooms and spell books within her new home, Earwig sets out to uncover the secrets of her new guardians and a mysterious song that may hold the key to finding the family she's wanted her whole life.
GKIDS, the American film distributor of international animated features such as the works of director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, announced Earwig and the Witch will be released in select U.S. theaters on February 3, 2021, through Fathom Events and independent theater circuits. The film will be available in both Japanese subtitled and English dub versions. Following its limited theatrical release, Earwig and the Witch will be available on HBO Max starting on February 5, 2021. The WarnerMedia streamer is currently the exclusive streaming home of Studio Ghibli's library.
Directed by Gorō Miyazaki, who started taken over the reins at Studio Ghibli following the retirement of his father Hayao Miyazaki in 2013, the English dub of Earwig and the Witch features the voice talents of an ensemble cast that includes Richard E. Grant, Dan Stevens, and Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Kacey Musgraves. Furthermore, Musgraves will record the English version of the film's theme song, "Don’t Disturb Me." GKIDS will also qualify the film for awards consideration at the Academy Awards.
Earwig and the Witch marks the second time Studio Ghibli has adapted the works of Wynne Jones. Hayao Miyazaki's 2004 film Howl's Moving Castle was loosely based on the author's novel of the same name and earned the studio an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
Of course, Studio Ghibli's foray into 3D animation isn't being well-received by all fans of the company's work. In addition to being praised for their unique style, Studio Ghibli is often heralded for continuing the tradition of 2D animation and there is concern among some that the company may end up shifting its focus toward 3D animation.
Earwig and the Witch will be released in select U.S. theaters on February 3 and HBO Max on February 5, 2021.
Source: GKIDS