KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE Live-Action TV Series in Development From BBC Studios
Fans of Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service are about to see the beloved young witch take flight in a whole new way. BBC Studios Kids & Family has teamed up with U.K. production company Wheel in Motion and Japan’s Kadokawa Corporation to develop the first-ever live-action television adaptation of Eiko Kadono’s classic fantasy novel series.
The project is currently in development and is being planned as a 10-episode series, with each episode running approximately 30 minutes.
The story will draw primarily from the first book in Kadono’s six-volume series and follow 13-year-old Kiki as she leaves her family home to begin her witch training in the seaside town of Koriko. Once there, she launches her own delivery service while building friendships and discovering her place in the world.
The series is being written by Irena Brignull, whose previous credits include the Oscar-nominated The Boxtrolls, Sky’s Skellig, and Netflix’s The Little Prince. That combination of fantasy, heart, and family storytelling makes her a solid choice to bring Kiki’s adventures into live-action.
Originally published in Japan in 1985 by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Kiki’s Delivery Service became a worldwide phenomenon, selling millions of copies across the globe.
Of course, for many fans, the story is most closely associated with the beloved 1989 animated adaptation from Studio Ghibli directed by Hayao Miyazaki, which introduced Kiki and her flying broomstick to generations of movie lovers.
This new series arrives as the book franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary, making it a fitting moment to revisit the story for a new audience.
Grainne McNamara of BBC Studios Kids & Family shared her excitement for the project, saying: “We are thrilled to be part of a collaboration to bring ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ to life for a new generation on a global stage.”
Alexi Wheeler of Wheel in Motion added: “Bringing this beloved story to a new audience as a live-action series is a dream come true and an absolute honor.”
Kadokawa’s Director of International Co-Productions, Takeo Kodera, sees the project as a perfect way to celebrate the milestone anniversary of the books:
“We cannot imagine a more exciting tribute to the landmark 40th anniversary of this classic book series than this partnership. The U.K. creative team has absorbed the spirit of Kiki through their close collaboration with Ms. Kadono and the results will enchant family audiences everywhere.”
Kadono herself also expressed enthusiasm about seeing her iconic character embark on a new journey: “Kiki is about to set off on another adventure into a new world. I’m confident this will be a great show. I can’t wait to see the series come to life.”
Brignull spoke about what makes Kiki such an enduring character and why she was eager to join the project: “Kiki is one of fiction’s great girl characters and I’m thrilled to be part of bringing her to life in this new adaptation.
“Embodying the magic that exists in re-invention and human connection, she shows us what’s possible when you venture boldly and big-heartedly into the world to find a sense of purpose.”
While details regarding casting, production timelines, and a release date haven't been announced yet, the creative team clearly understands the importance of the source material.
With Kadono closely involved and the adaptation focusing on the original novels, this could offer fans a fresh perspective on Kiki’s story while staying true to the heart of what has made it such a lasting favorite for four decades.
For longtime fans of the books and the Studio Ghibli film, it’ll be exciting to see how Koriko, Kiki, Jiji, and the magical world around them are brought to life in a live-action television format.
If done right, this has the potential to introduce an entirely new generation to one of fantasy’s most charming coming-of-age adventures.