BBC Studios, Wheel in Motion, and Kadokawa are developing the first-ever live‑action TV series based on Eiko Kadono’s Kiki’s Delivery Service novels.
BBC Studios Kids & Family, Wheel in Motion, and Kadokawa have announced a partnership to develop the first-ever live‑action television series based on Eiko Kadono’s original Majo no Takkyūbin (Kiki’s Delivery Service) novels. The project is currently in development and will adapt the first volume of the six‑book series across ten half‑hour episodes.
Table of Contents
- What the Live‑Action Series Will Adapt
- Who Is Writing the Series
- Why Kiki’s Story Still Matters
- What the Production Team Says
- Kiki’s Legacy Across Film, Stage, and Media
- Does the Series Have a Release Date
What the Live‑Action Series Will Adapt
The series will primarily adapt Volume 1 of Eiko Kadono’s novels, first published in 1985. The story follows Kiki, a 13‑year‑old witch who must leave home for a year of independence, accompanied only by her black cat Jiji. She settles in the coastal town of Koriko, where she starts a delivery service using her broomstick.
The original series spans six volumes, concluding in 2009, and remains one of Japan’s most beloved works of children’s literature.
Who Is Writing the Series
The screenplay is written by Irena Brignull, known for:
- The Boxtrolls (Oscar‑nominated)
- The Little Prince (Netflix)
Brignull’s background in heartfelt, youth‑focused storytelling positions her well to reinterpret Kiki’s coming‑of‑age journey for a global audience.
Why Kiki’s Story Still Matters
Eiko Kadono’s novels have endured for 40 years, blending warmth, independence, and gentle magic. Kadono received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018, the most prestigious honor in children’s literature, becoming only the third Japanese author to win it.
Her stories continue to resonate because they explore:
- Growing up
- Finding community
- Building confidence
- Discovering one’s place in the world
What the Production Team Says
The creative partners expressed strong enthusiasm for the project.
Grainne McNamara, BBC Studios Kids & Family:
“We are thrilled to bring Kiki’s Delivery Service to life for a new generation on a global scale. This ambitious live‑action adaptation offers a unique opportunity to reimagine its magic, warmth, and sense of adventure.”
Alexi Wheeler, Wheel in Motion:
“Bringing this beloved story to a new audience as a live‑action series is a dream come true and an absolute honor.”
Takeo Kodera, Kadokawa:
“This partnership is a moving tribute to the 40th anniversary of the classic book series. The British creative team has captured the spirit of Kiki through close collaboration with Ms. Kadono.”
Eiko Kadono, author:
“Kiki is about to embark on another adventure in a new world. I am confident that it will be a great show.”
Kiki’s Legacy Across Film, Stage, and Media
Most fans know Kiki from the 1989 Studio Ghibli film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, which adapted only the first novel and became Japan’s highest‑grossing film of the year.
The franchise has since expanded into:
- A 4K IMAX restoration released by GKIDS in North America in March 2026
- A Japanese theatrical re‑release on June 19, 2026
- A 1993–1996 musical directed by Yukio Ninagawa
- A 2014 Japanese live‑action film starring Fūka Koshiba
- A 2016 West End stage play
- Musicals in Tokyo (2017) and Osaka (2021)
The new BBC‑Kadokawa series marks the first long‑form live‑action adaptation.
Does the Series Have a Release Date
The live‑action series does not yet have a confirmed premiere date. Production is ongoing, and more details are expected in the coming months.