Kiki’s Delivery Service to Receive First Live-Action Television Adaptation

BBC Studios Kids & Family, U.K.-based production company Wheel in Motion, and Japan’s Kadokawa Corporation have announced a partnership to develop the first-ever live-action television series based on Eiko Kadono’s novel Kiki’s Delivery Service. The project is currently in development as a 10-episode series, with screenwriter Irena Brignull attached to pen the adaptation.

Who is involved in the production?

The series is a collaborative effort between three major industry players. BBC Studios Kids & Family is leading the project alongside the independent production house Wheel in Motion and the Japanese media giant Kadokawa Corporation. Screenwriter Irena Brignull, known for her work on The Boxtrolls and The Little Prince, will adapt the source material. According to a joint statement, the production aims to honor the 40th anniversary of the original 1985 book series.

What will the series cover?

The 10-episode series will draw primarily from the first volume of Kadono’s six-book series. The narrative follows 13-year-old witch Kiki as she leaves her home to relocate to the port town of Koriko. Once there, she establishes a delivery service and navigates the challenges of independence and forming new friendships. While the 1989 Studio Ghibli anime directed by Hayao Miyazaki is the most globally recognized version of the story, this new production marks the first time the property will be adapted for live-action television.

How does this compare to previous adaptations?

Unlike the 1989 animated feature, which condensed elements of the novel into a single film, the upcoming series intends to utilize a 10-episode format to explore the source material in greater depth. Eiko Kadono, a Hans Christian Andersen Award winner, expressed support for the project, stating she is confident the production will bring her characters to life effectively. The creative team has reportedly worked closely with Kadono to ensure the series remains faithful to the spirit of the original novels.

Key Details of the Upcoming Series

• Format: 10-episode live-action series.
• Source Material: Based on the 1985 novel by Eiko Kadono.
• Lead Writer: Irena Brignull.
• Production Partners: BBC Studios Kids & Family, Wheel in Motion, and Kadokawa Corporation.
• Milestone: The project coincides with the 40th anniversary of the original book series.

What happens next?

The production is currently in the development phase. While the core creative team and the partnership structure are confirmed, further announcements regarding casting and a projected release window are expected at a later date. According to Takeo Kodera, director of international co-productions at Kadokawa, the project is designed to reach a global family audience, building on the long-standing international popularity of the Kiki character.