Ghibli Inspired Mary and the Witches Flower UK Release Date

Mary and the Witches Flower

As a massive fan of Studio Ghibli, I was suitable distraught when the news of their restructuring (and potential shutdown) was announced. Fortunately, hot on that news, a new animation company, Studio Ponoc, emerged.

Being comprised of many former members of Studio Ghibli, after some initial television work, a feature film was announced. Mary and the Witches Flower.

The film released in Japan earlier this year, however, the news was somewhat silent on a Western release.

Upon release of an English dubbed trailer, an American release date was announced shortly afterwards for January 18th. Good news for America, but still, not so good for us on this side of the pond.

Leaving us wondering when (or if) there would be an official European theatrical release, we finally have some good news. Mary and the Witches Flower will release in UK cinemas on May 18th. This in reports via AnimeNewsNetwork.

Release date announced, but why so long?

While I am of course delighted that we have a release date, in the UK at least, I can not deny that I am a little disappointed that it is so long after the US release. Four whole months no less! Being a fan of Japanese animation I am of course accustomed to having to wait, it just seems very strange we have to wait so long for the UK release.

In regards to the film itself, its Studio Ghibli heritage is clear for all to see. Many people have indeed compared the character to some form of Ponyo hybrid while also seemingly drawing from Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Some positive news for Ghibli fans is that Mayao Miyasaki has, again, committed to one more film and in addition, it would seem that Studio Ghibli as a whole may have finally completed its ‘restructuring’ to resume normal service. The rumours go that the Studio will scale back to produce more ambitious, but far less regular, feature productions.

So, there we are. Mary and the Witches Flower will release in the UK on May 18th. From my perspective, I can barely wait.

What do you think? Excited for the film? Planning to see it in the cinema? Have you already seen it? – Let us know in the comments!