Live-action series ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ is set at BBC Studios

BBC Studios Kids & Family has unveiled a three-way partnership with British production company Wheel in Motion and Japan’s Kadokawa Corporation to develop a live-action television series based on Eiko Kadono’s novel ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’, the property’s first live-action television treatment.

The project is currently in development and consists of ten half-hour episodes, mainly drawn from the first part of Kadono’s six-book series. The story follows 13-year-old witch Kiki as she leaves her home and moves to the port town of Koriko, where she sets up a delivery service and forges new friendships.

Irena Brignull is attached to write the series. Her film credits include the Oscar-nominated ‘The Boxtrolls’, Sky’s ‘Skellig’ and Netflix’s ‘The Little Prince’.

Originally published in Japan in 1985 by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” has sold millions of copies worldwide. Studio Ghibli brought the novel to the screen in 1989 as an anime film, directed by Miyazaki Hayao. The new adaptation marks the 40th anniversary of the book series.

“We’re thrilled to be part of a partnership to bring ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ to life for a new generation on a global stage,” said Grainne McNamara of BBC Studios Kids & Family.

“Bringing this beloved story to new audiences as a live-action series is a dream come true and an absolute honor,” said Alexi Wheeler of Wheel in Motion.

“We can’t imagine a more exciting tribute to the historic 40th anniversary of this classic book series than this collaboration,” said Takeo Kodera, director of international co-productions at Kadokawa. “The British creative team have absorbed the spirit of Kiki through their close collaboration with Ms. Kadono and the results will enchant the entire family audience.”

“Kiki is about to start a new adventure in a new world,” added Kadono, who is also a winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award. “I’m confident this will be a great show. I can’t wait to see the series come to life.”

“Kiki is one of the best girl characters in fiction and I am thrilled to be part of bringing her to life in this new film adaptation,” said Brignull. “She embodies the magic that exists in reinvention and human connection and shows us what is possible when you enter the world with courage and a big heart to find a sense of purpose.”