BBC Studios Kids & Family has announced a three-way partnership with British production company Wheel in Motion and Japan’s Kadokawa Shoten to develop a live-action television series based on Eiko Kadono’s novel Kiki’s Delivery Service, making it the facility’s first live-action television series.
The project, currently in development, is planned as 10/30-minute episodes drawn primarily from the first volume of Kadono’s six-book series. The story follows Kiki, a 13-year-old witch, who leaves her home and moves to the port town of Colico, where she starts a delivery service and develops new friendships.
Irena Brignull is writing the series. Her screen credits include the Oscar-nominated The Boxtrolls, Sky’s Skellig and Netflix’s The Little Prince.
“Kiki’s Delivery Service” was published in Japan by Fukuinkan Shoten in 1985 and has sold millions of copies worldwide. Studio Ghibli brought the novel to the screen in 1989 as an animated feature directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The new adaptation marks the 40th anniversary of this book series.
Grainne McNamara, head of BBC Studios Kids & Family, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this collaboration that will bring Kiki’s Delivery Service to a new generation on a global stage.”
Wheel in Motion’s Alexi Wheeler added: “Bringing this beloved story to a new audience as a live-action series is a dream come true and an incredible honor.”
“We can’t think of a more exciting tribute to this classic book series than this partnership to commemorate its landmark 40th anniversary,” said Takeo Kodera, director of international co-productions at Kadokawa. “The British creative team has absorbed the spirit of Kiki through close collaboration with Mr. Kadono, and the result will captivate family audiences around the world.”
Kadono, who is also a Hans Christian Andersen Prize winner, added, “Kiki is about to embark on an adventure into a new world.” “I’m sure it’s going to be a great show and I can’t wait to see this series come to life.”
“Kiki is one of fiction’s great female characters and I’m thrilled to be a part of bringing her to life in this new adaptation,” Brignull said. “Embodiing the magic that exists in reinvention and human connection, she shows us what is possible when we boldly and generously venture into the world to find a sense of purpose.”
