Unveiling the Untold Secrets: Why Did This Studio Ghibli Film Make Its TV Debut?

Highlights

Studio Ghibli films are highly anticipated events in Japan, and their infrequent releases draw large audiences due to their high quality and long wait times between films.

"Earwig and the Witch" is a children's novel penned by Diana Wynne Jones, later brought to life as a Studio Ghibli film directed by Goro Miyazaki. Notably, this marked the studio's initial foray into full 3D CGI animation. Originally slated for a traditional theatrical release, the film had to make its debut on TV due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the CGI animation received a blend of reviews, ultimately classifying the film as a financial letdown for the studio.

Similar to how Disney films are an eagerly anticipated annual event for American moviegoers, Studio Ghibli releases hold the same significance for Japanese audiences. In fact, their releases may be even more highly anticipated since a new Ghibli film isn't guaranteed every year, and they are typically released with a few years in between. This, coupled with the fact that Ghibli films are known for their exceptional quality, is why Japanese audiences flock to see them.

This year, when The Boy and the Heron premiered in theaters, it had been a decade since Studio Ghibli released a film on the big screen. During this time, the studio stayed occupied with video game projects and documentary work. Waiting for a new Ghibli film for such a long period is disheartening. Unfortunately, the studio did have a film ready to release during this waiting period, but circumstances beyond their control forced them to premiere it on television instead. Now, let's delve into the story of what unfolded with Earwig and the Witch.

What is Earwig and the Witch?

Earwig and the Witch, a children's novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones, tells the story of a clever orphan named Earwig. She is content with her life in the orphanage until she is adopted by a witch and taken to a mysterious, haunted house. Despite her new circumstances, Earwig uses her intelligence and cunning to manipulate both her surroundings and the people around her, with the goal of gaining control over her newfound situation.

Unlike Wynne's more famous novel Howl's Moving Castle, Earwig and the Witch offers more creative freedom for a film adaptation. Departing from the source material in significant ways is possible, which most authors would typically not allow. While Howl's Moving Castle was directed by Hayao Miyazaki, a member of his close family would take on the challenge of directing Earwig and the Witch.

Who Directed the Movie?

Studio Ghibli took on a significant project with the film adaptation. It marked a departure from their traditional hand-drawn animation style as they delved into full 3D CGI for the first time in a feature film (although a few full CGI shorts were created for the Ghibli Museum as practice).

Goro Miyazaki, the son of co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, took the helm as the director for this project. While Goro had previous directing experience with films like Tales from Earthsea and From Up on Poppy Hill, Earwig and the Witch presented a new challenge due to its computer animation medium. This required bringing onboard fresh animators familiar with the process.

Despite the implementation of the new animation format, the film aimed to encapsulate the enchanting essence and profound characterization that are widely acclaimed in Studio Ghibli films. Goro harbored particular enthusiasm for showcasing Ghibli's novel animation style on the grand cinema screen, paralleling the way previous Ghibli films had captivated audiences. Regrettably, a significant real-world event would pose challenges in achieving this endeavor.

Why Was it Aired on TV?

Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Earwig and the Witch, originally intended for a traditional theatrical release, faced a setback. As movie theaters worldwide were forced to close, Studio Ghibli had to find alternative methods to distribute the film. In order to secure financial support amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic's duration, the studio explored other avenues. Eventually, in Japan, the movie premiered on NHK General TV on December 18, 2020, as NHK was also one of the co-producers of the film.

In America, Warner Bros. acquired the entire Studio Ghibli catalog to support the launch of their new streaming service HBO Max (now called Max). The film was released on the service on January 7, 2021. While theaters began to reopen, special screenings were arranged for Ghibli fans to experience the film as intended. However, these screenings were surprisingly empty as many viewers did not enjoy the film.

Critics criticized the script for being unfocused and uninteresting, and most viewers agreed that the CGI animation was not particularly impressive. Those who watched it in theaters felt it looked worse on the big screen. Ultimately, the film did not perform well financially and is seen as a rare disappointment in Ghibli's impressive library. It is worth considering whether the film would have had a stronger start if the COVID-19 pandemic had not forced it to be released on TV screens while people were confined indoors.

Earwig and the Witch can currently be streamed on Max here.