Hayao Miyazaki's beloved Studio Ghibli film Kiki's Delivery Service is being adapted as a live-action series. According to Deadline, BBC Studios Kids & Family has partnered with Wheel In Motion and Japan's Kadokawa Corporation to develop a 10-episode series, with each episode running 30 minutes.
This is the first live-action adaptation of the magical tale, which was originally based on Eiko Kadono's book series. The original 1989 anime film has become a cultural touchstone for generations of viewers.
BBC Studios Kids & Family will develop the story of young witch Kiki and her black cat Jiji for screen. The international co-production suggests the project aims to reach audiences beyond the UK.
Details on casting, production timeline, and broadcast platform remain unreleased. With the source material's reputation and the partners involved, announcements are likely to draw significant attention.
Studio Ghibli adaptations have had mixed results in live-action — the 2017 Ghost in the Shell faced criticism — but BBC Studios' work in prestige children's programming offers some grounds for optimism. Whether this version can match the original's appeal remains to be seen.
