Following the film’s Japanese release, Studio Ghibli revealed that the new Hayao Miyazaki movie How Do You Live? has a different title for its international release, and fans aren’t happy with it.
Specifically, Miyazaki’s newest film is titled The Boy and the Heron for its North American release.
This was revealed via Ghibli’s official Twitter account and by GKIDS (Ghibli’s North American distribution partner).
Along with the title reveal, it was also confirmed that Ghibli fans in North America will be able to watch the movie in theaters later this year.
Hayao Miyazaki's 'How Do You Live?' Gets New English Title For North American Release
Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most renowned Japanese filmmakers as his films are beloved all over the world.
Even though 2013’s The Wind Rises was supposed to be his final film, Miyazaki came out of retirement a few years ago.
Despite the lack of promotion (which was a strategic choice by Ghibli), Miyazaki’s latest film was finally released in Japanese cinemas on July 14, 2023.
Soon after its release, the film became Ghibli’s second-biggest opening movie in Japan’s box office. Early impressions of the film are also highly positive.
While there’s no official word yet on a release date outside Japan, Ghibli and GKIDS confirmed that the film will be screened in North American cinemas in 2023, though its release will likely be later this year.
Aside from confirming its release, it was announced that the film will be called The Boy and the Heron outside Japan, but this did not prove to be a popular title among Ghibli fans.
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Fans Don't Like 'The Boy and the Heron' English Release Title
In both Ghibli’s and GKIDS’ tweets about the new title, many fans expressed their disappointment with the change.
Many don’t understand the need to change the title given that the film is based on a novel of the same name.
Fans also expressed that The Boy and the Heron is a plain title that doesn’t match the themes of the movie which are better reflected in the original title.
Despite the reactions, fans will likely have to live with this new name when it releases this year.
Fans should also expect no trailers or promotion for this as GKIDS will follow Studio Ghibli’s minimal marketing approach.
There’s also no info yet on when the movie will be released, or if it will come with subtitles or an English dub.
After all, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild strikes may affect dub recording for the film.
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