Studio Ghibli Disables Twitter Account Following Release of The Boy and the Heron Dub Trailer
Studio Ghibli's The Boy and the Heron trailer sparks frenzy among devoted fans, prompting the animation powerhouse to unexpectedly deactivate their official Twitter account
The English dub release of Studio Ghibli's The Boy and the Heron has sparked immense excitement among fans of the renowned animation studio. However, fans have been left bewildered by the studio's surprising decision to deactivate its official X (previously Twitter) account, which was initially created to promote the film. This sudden move has caused confusion, particularly considering the highly anticipated launch of the movie. Nonetheless, fans eagerly await the release of the film, hoping to be enchanted by Studio Ghibli's signature magic and storytelling, especially with its upcoming English release on December 8, 2023.
Studio Ghibli deactivates account after new The Boy and the Heron trailer
Unexpectedly, Studio Ghibli, renowned for its enchanting animated films such as Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Ponyo, made a surprising choice. In anticipation of the release of Hayao Miyazaki's latest film, The Boy and the Heron (Kimi-tachi wa Dō Ikiru ka), they disabled their official X account. Despite the global adoration for Studio Ghibli's movies and the ongoing triumph of The Boy and the Heron, they opted to deactivate their official X account.
The release of the new film in Japan took place on July 14th, captivating audiences from the very start. Uniquely, the movie debuted across IMAX screens simultaneously, without any prior advertising or promotion. This unconventional approach added a sense of enigma to the film, deviating from the typical marketing strategies. As minimal information was disclosed beforehand, fans eagerly anticipated the unveiling of this mysterious production.
But Junichi Nishioka, the head of the studio, has emphatically stated that The Boy and the Heron is not the final project for Miyazaki. According to Nishioka, the renowned storyteller is already actively contemplating fresh ideas. This exciting news has sparked anticipation among fans for what lies ahead.
GKIDS is renowned for bringing Studio Ghibli's enchanting creations to North America. They have acquired the rights for The Boy and the Heron, with plans to release the film in theaters on December 8, 2023. Previews will begin earlier, on November 22. The story revolves around Mahito Maki, who is mourning the loss of his mother. He stumbles upon a mysterious book and encounters a heron that reveals his mother's existence in an alternate world.
The film will feature an English-dubbed version, and the star-studded cast includes Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh.
Robert Pattinson, known for his impressive performances in Harry Potter and the recent Batman film, surprises fans with his debut as the Gray Heron in The Boy and the Heron.
Willem Dafoe, known for his roles in Spider-Man and The Lighthouse, takes on the role of the Noble Pelican, marking his second foray into the world of anime following Tales from Earthsea. Mark Hamill, acclaimed for his iconic portrayal of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, brings his talent as an experienced anime voice actor to the character of Granduncle.
Gemma Chan lends her voice to Natsuko, while Dave Bautista portrays The Parakeet King, adding to the film's impressive ensemble cast.
Final thoughts
Fans are perplexed by Studio Ghibli's decision to deactivate their X account. However, the excitement surrounding The Boy and the Heron remains unabated. This eagerly anticipated film, scheduled for release on December 8, 2023, is brimming with potential, thanks to an exceptional cast and a captivating storyline.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I'm thrilled about the upcoming release of Studio Ghibli's latest film, "The Boy and the Heron." The trailer looks incredible, and I can't wait to see what Hayao Miyazaki has in store for us this time. I'm also intrigued by the decision to release the film in IMAX theaters without any prior advertising or promotion. It's a bold move, but I think it will pay off. There's a lot of buzz surrounding the film, and I think it's going to be a big hit.
However, I'm a little disappointed that Studio Ghibli has deactivated its Twitter account. I understand that they may be trying to create a sense of mystery and anticipation around the film, but I think it's a shame that they're not engaging with fans on social media. Twitter is a great way to connect with fans and share information about the film. I hope that Studio Ghibli will reconsider their decision and reactivate their account soon.
