GKids has acquired the entire Studio Ghibli library for the U.K. and Ireland, securing rights for theatrical, home video, TV, and digital distribution of all 23 films from the iconic Japanese animation studio. The deal was finalized with Goodfellas and excludes streaming rights, which remain with Netflix outside North America and Japan.
The acquisition will kick off with a theatrical IMAX release of Kiki's Delivery Service on August 21, 2023. This beloved film, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, follows Kiki, a young witch, as she starts her flying courier service in the port city of Koriko.
Future Releases in IMAX and Home Video
GKids plans to expand its Ghibli offerings with additional IMAX releases, including The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) and Whisper of the Heart (1995). The company will also roll out titles from the new Studio Ghibli 4K Remasters on physical media starting in Fall 2026.
In addition to theatrical releases, GKids will re-release the entire Ghibli library on home video. This includes classics such as Spirited Away (2001), Howl's Moving Castle (2004), Princess Mononoke (1997), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Ponyo (2008), and Castle in the Sky (1986).
Collaboration with Anime Limited
For the U.K. and Ireland releases, GKids will collaborate closely with Anime Limited, a Glasgow-based distributor recently acquired by GKids’ parent company, Toho Global. The partnership has a history of successful releases, including Perfect Blue (1997) and Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995).
David Jesteadt, president of GKids, expressed gratitude towards Goodfellas and Studio Ghibli, stating, “We promise U.K. and Irish fans that we will take loving care of the Ghibli catalog, beginning with the IMAX release of Kiki’s Delivery Service this summer, and expand from there across all home video and digital platforms.”
Key Details of the Acquisition
- Deal Signed: With Goodfellas
- Excludes: Streaming rights (licensed to Netflix)
- First Release: Kiki's Delivery Service in IMAX on August 21, 2023
- Future Titles: The Secret World of Arrietty, Whisper of the Heart
- Home Video Release: Full Ghibli library, including Oscar-winner Spirited Away
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Hollywood Reporter. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
