THE SCOOP
After nearly ten years in the making, Hayao Miyazaki is gracing the cinema once more with his highly anticipated creation, ‘The Boy and the Heron.’ This latest venture, steeped in Miyazaki’s distinctive storytelling, isn’t a farewell piece as some have thought.
The masterful storyteller teams up again with Studio Ghibli to introduce ‘The Boy and the Heron’ to the English-speaking world through its newly launched trailer. The film boasts an illustrious Hollywood lineup, featuring the vocal talents of Christian Bale, David Bautista, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh. Initially premiering in Japan on July 14, 2023, it gears up for a winter release in the U.S., UK, and Ireland.
A decade has flown by since Miyazaki’s last cinematic wonder, and ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is his 11th project, with Studio Ghibli’s magical touch evident in nine previous films. The U.S. debut of the film is slated for December 8, a day fans are eagerly awaiting to immerse themselves in Miyazaki’s enchanting narrative.
The heart of ‘The Boy and the Heron’ lies in the journey of Mahito, a boy of 12, who seeks his place in the world amidst the sorrow of losing his mother. A chance encounter with a heron that converses leads him to believe his mother may be found in another realm. Venturing into a mystical tower, he’s whisked away to an otherworldly place, uncovering insights about himself and confronting his grief. This film, although taking inspiration from Genzaburo Yoshino’s novel of 1937, is uniquely a Miyazaki masterpiece in its emotional depth and storytelling.
Is This Miyazaki’s Curtain Call?
Dispelling rumors, ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is not the final bow for Hayao Miyazaki. Despite Ross Bonaime’s critique hinting at the film’s air of finality, Studio Ghibli’s vice-president Junichi Nishioka has clarified that Miyazaki’s animation days may be behind him, but the maestro is far from done. Already brimming with new ideas, Miyazaki’s creative journey will continue, though in a different form.
The North American version of ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ brought to audiences by GKIDS, sees Christian Bale as the voice of Shoichi Maki, with Dave Bautista portraying The Parakeet King. The voice cast is studded with talent, including Gemma Chan as Natsuko and Willem Dafoe as the Noble Pelican. Karen Fukuhara gives voice to Lady Himi, while the legendary Mark Hamill adds his vocals to Granduncle. Robert Pattinson voices the Grey Heron and Florence Pugh gives life to Kiriko.
Mark your calendars for a cinematic experience with ‘The Boy and the Heron’ launching across the U.S. on December 8, 2023, followed by a release in the UK and Ireland on December 26, 2023. Peek at the official English trailer below:
The Boy and the Heron
Synopsis: A coming-of-age tale following a young boy’s emotional and psychological growth, set in motion by his interactions with a magical heron after discovering a deserted tower in his new home.
Release Date: December 8, 2023
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Cast: Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Takuya Kimura, Aimyon
Rating: PG-13
Duration: 124 minutes
Film Categories: Animation, Adventure, Drama
Scriptwriter: Hayao Miyazaki
Production Houses: Studio Ghibli, Toho Company
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Boy and the Heron trailer
What is ‘The Boy and the Heron’ about?
‘The Boy and the Heron’ is a poignant tale that follows a 12-year-old boy named Mahito who, after the death of his mother, encounters a talking heron that leads him on a magical quest suggesting his mother might still be alive. This journey takes him to an enchanted tower and into a world beyond, where he grapples with his loss and learns about self-discovery and hope.
Who are the notable cast members in the English version of ‘The Boy and the Heron’?
The English-dubbed version features a star-studded cast including Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Robert Pattinson, Florence Pugh, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, and Mark Hamill, bringing the characters to life with their voices.
Will ‘The Boy and the Heron’ be Hayao Miyazaki’s last film?
No, ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is not expected to be Hayao Miyazaki’s last film. Despite speculations and the film feeling like a culmination of his work, Miyazaki is said to be brimming with new ideas and is anticipated to continue writing, if not working on animation.
When will ‘The Boy and the Heron’ be released in the U.S.?
‘The Boy and the Heron’ is scheduled for release in the United States on December 8, 2023.
Is ‘The Boy and the Heron’ suitable for all audiences?
The film has been rated PG-13, suggesting that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13, but generally, it is expected to be suitable for a teen and adult audience.
More about The Boy and the Heron trailer
- Official Trailer of ‘The Boy and the Heron’
- Studio Ghibli’s Lineup
- Hayao Miyazaki’s Directorial Journey
- Interview with Voice Cast Members
- Cinematic Release Dates Worldwide
- Ross Bonaime’s Review
- Genzaburo Yoshino’s Influence
5 comments
was reading the FAQ and it says PG-13? seems a bit high for a Ghibli movie… they’re usually so family-friendly what gives?
ahh i saw the trailer and it’s pure magic, classic Ghibli vibes all over it…can’t wait to see it in December.
anyone else notice how Miyazaki’s films just have this way of dealing with loss? it’s like therapy but better, so excited for The Boy and the Heron.
omg, finally new Miyazaki film! been waiting for this like forever, the cast sounds amazing Bale and Pattinson? epic!
Heard Miyazaki was retiring, glad thats not the case, who else could fill his shoes? nobody thats who.