Gkids Secures Studio Ghibli Rights, Plans IMAX Release of Kiki
WHO:
Deadline - Gkids, a Toho-owned animation specialist, has acquired the distribution rights.
Variety - Gkids is the organization involved in the acquisition of the Studio Ghibli library.
WHAT:
Deadline - The Studio Ghibli library includes classics such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, The Wind Rises, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Castle in the Sky.
Deadline - Gkids has acquired the UK and Ireland distribution rights to the 23 film-library of Japan’s Studio Ghibli.
Variety - The deal includes theatrical, home video, TV, and digital rights across the territory.
Variety - The rollout begins with an IMAX release of "Kiki’s Delivery Service."
WHERE:
Deadline - The distribution rights are for the UK and Ireland.
Variety - The IMAX release of "Kiki’s Delivery Service" will take place in the UK and Ireland.
WHEN:
Variety - The IMAX release of "Kiki’s Delivery Service" is scheduled for August 21.
WHY:
Deadline - The acquisition aims to expand Gkids' slate of animated films in the UK and Ireland.
HOW:
Deadline - Gkids secured the rights through a deal with Toho, the parent company of Studio Ghibli.
(UPDATED July 2, 2026 17:33 UTC)
The beloved Studio Ghibli library features a collection of animated classics that includes titles like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbor Totoro. Other fan favorites in the lineup are The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, The Wind Rises, Ponyo, and Castle in the Sky. This extensive catalog continues to enchant audiences of all ages with its stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling.
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(UPDATED July 2, 2026 15:47 UTC)
Gkids has acquired the distribution rights for the 23-film library of Japan's Studio Ghibli in the UK and Ireland, including theatrical, home video, TV, and digital rights. The rollout will kick off with an IMAX release of "Kiki’s Delivery Service," scheduled for August 21. This acquisition, secured through a deal with Toho, aims to expand Gkids' slate of animated films in the UK and Ireland.