The latest animated film from the iconic Studio Ghibli is scheduled to debut on Netflix on November 18th, adding another brilliant entry to the streaming giant’s mammoth catalogue.
Entitled Earwig and the Witch, it will be available to audiences worldwide. Since last year, 21 films from Studio Ghibli have been made available to the world, through global distribution partner Wild Bunch International and GKIDS exclusively for Canada. Unfortunately, two countries will miss out on the Netflix film, the US and Japan.
“We’re thrilled that our film Earwig and the Witch will reach many countries and territories through Netflix,” said director Goro Miyazaki. “The film is Studio Ghibli’s first fully 3D CGI film which prompted us with an exciting challenge to reflect the spirit and pride of our studio using this new art form.”
He explained of the plot: “Through that experience we met Earwig, our rebellious protagonist who grows to overcome difficulties with her wits and relentless energy. We hope you will come to love our Earwig, just like you enjoyed spending time with the main characters in our last 21 films.”
Aram Yacoubian, director of animation at Netflix, said, “We’re incredibly fortunate to continue expanding the Studio Ghibli film lineup on Netflix by streaming Earwig and the Witch. The highly anticipated new film of Goro Miyazaki will bring a fresh perspective to the wildly popular Studio Ghibli films. “
He continued: “In countries and territories where we stream Studio Ghibli films (excluding US and Japan), 55M households have chosen to watch a Studio Ghibli film on Netflix since 2020, and that number will only continue to grow. We’ve been blown away by the positive reactions from viewers everywhere, proving that stories can come from anywhere, and can be loved everywhere”.
Earwig and the Witch, follows a determined young girl who grew up in an orphanage. Her life changes completely when she is taken in by a mysterious old couple. Directed by Goro Miyazaki alongside planning by Hayao Miyazaki, the story of Earwig is based on a novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones.
