This spring, “The Boy and the Heron” from Studio Ghibli is reclaiming its spotlight, and the acclaimed animation studio couldn’t be happier.
Following its recent Academy Award win for Best Animated Feature, the film is set to make a triumphant return to select theaters worldwide. Additionally, Netflix has secured global streaming rights for the film, adding another dimension to its celebration.
Netflix’s acquisition of “The Boy and the Heron” for its global catalog is undoubtedly exciting news for fans, but there’s a small caveat.
A decade of waiting for Hayao Miyazaki’s great return, and with an adventure this breathtaking, I don’t regret it one bit 🤩 The Oscar-winning The Boy and the Heron is coming to Netflix!
© 2023 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli pic.twitter.com/uIgt4EIiLh
— Netflix Philippines (@Netflix_PH) March 21, 2024
Unfortunately, viewers in the United States and Japan will have to wait a bit longer to enjoy the film on Netflix.
This restriction is due to Studio Ghibli’s existing distribution deals in both regions, with HBO Max being the exclusive streaming platform for Studio Ghibli’s catalog in the United States.
Studio Ghibli’s cautious approach to technology is well-known, with co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki being deliberate in their adoption of new tech trends.
However, despite their preference for analog methods, Studio Ghibli recognized the importance of digital access and struck a deal with HBO Max to bring their films to a wider audience in the United States.
Now, “The Boy and the Heron” is poised to join the ranks of Studio Ghibli’s streaming offerings on HBO Max, with a release date yet to be announced.
Whether it’s through Max or Netflix, fans can look forward to experiencing the magic of this Oscar-winning film from the comfort of their homes later this year.
For those unfamiliar with the enchanting tale of “The Boy and the Heron,” here’s the official synopsis:
“After losing his mother during the war, young Mahito moves to his family’s estate in the countryside. There, a series of mysterious events lead him to a secluded and ancient tower, home to a mischievous gray heron.
When Mahito’s new stepmother disappears, he follows the gray heron into the tower and enters a fantastic world shared by the living and the dead. As he embarks on an epic journey with the heron as his guide, Mahito must uncover the secrets of this world and the truth about himself.”
