Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Earwig and the Witch: Studio Ghibli releases first scene of controversial new movie

New animation style was previously described as ‘off-putting’

Jacob Stolworthy
Thursday 28 January 2021 03:58 EST
Comments
Earwig and the Witch trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The first scene from Studio Ghibli’s new film has been released online.

Earwig and the Witch is the Japanese animation house’s first film since their co-production The Red Turtle in 2016.

It will also mark the studio’s first movie to be made using full 3D CGI animation, a decision which has prompted vitriol and concern from long-time fans.

The film is directed by Tales From Earthsea filmmaker Gorō Miyazaki, who is son of the legendary Ghibli filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.

Earwig and the Witch is based on Diana Wynne Jones’ 2011 children’s book of the same name, and follows an orphan girl who is adopted by a witch.

The clip is of the dubbed version that will be released on HBO Max in the US. Kacey Musgraves voices the mother of the lead character.

It will be available to stream in the US from 5 February, but a UK release date is yet to be announced, but is expected to follow two months later.

The entire Studio Ghibli filmography is currently available to watch on Netflix in the UK.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in