The latest animated feature from Studio Ghibli, Earwig and the Witch, premiered for Japanese audiences December 30. Luckily, American fans won’t have long to wait to watch the movie too.
Through a partnership with Fathom Events, Earwig and the Witch will release in select theaters February 3. The special event release will let fans pick between the English voice cast feature or the original Japanese with English subtitles.
Following the theatrical debut, Earwig and the Witch will stream on HBO Max beginning February 5. (Studio Ghibli has an outstanding deal with the platform to stream their releases. You can watch your old Studio Ghibli favorites on HBO Max too.)
Here’s the official synopsis for the film from its US distributor, GKIDS:
Growing up in an orphanage in the British countryside, Earwig has no idea that her mother had magical powers. Her life changes dramatically when a strange couple takes her in, and she is forced to live with a selfish witch. As the headstrong young girl sets out to uncover the secrets of her new guardians, she discovers a world of spells and potions, and a mysterious song that may be the key to finding the family she has always wanted.
Earwig and the Witch is based on the Diana Wynne Jones story of the same name. (She also penned another novel adapted by Studio Ghibli, Howl’s Moving Castle.) It will be Studio Ghibli’s first full-length 3DCG animated production.
The English voice cast includes Richard E. Grant, Kacey Musgraves, Dan Stevens, and Vanessa Marshall. Musgraves also performs the English language version of the theme song.
Watch Earwig and the Witch in select theaters February 3 and on HBO Max February 5.
Meanwhile, check back to THS for more updates.
Source: GKIDS
