‘Spirited Away’ to be adapted for the stage

Poster of “Spirited Away.” Image: Studio Ghibli via AFP Relaxnews

Oscar-winning film “Spirited Away” (“Sen To Chihiro”) is all set to get its first adaptation for the theater.

The adaptation will be written and directed by Tony award-winning British director John Caird, who has been recognized for his productions for “Les Miserables” and “Nicholas Nickleby,” Deadline reported on Thursday, Feb. 25. It will be presented in Japan in 2022.

Japanese production company Toho is behind the stage adaptation. Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi (“Your Name”) will star as the protagonist Chihiro.

“Spirited Away,” directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, premiered in 2001 and won international recognition, as well as a warm reception in the box office globally and in Japan. It was the top-grossing film in Japan for 19 years until anime “Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train” took over in 2020.

The story chronicles the journey of Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who is moving to a new place with her parents. However, on their moving day, her parents accidentally enter the spirit realm. They are transformed into pigs because of their greed while Chihiro winds up under the clutches of a mean bathhouse owner that caters to various spirits.

“I share a belief in all the most dominant themes of Miyazaki’s work, themes that are at the core of the ‘Sen To Chihiro’ world — care for the environment, reverence for nature, a belief in the force of the good spirits within us and the empowerment of young women and men to change the world for the better,” said Caird in the report. “I must have spent a thousand hours working on ‘Sen To Chihiro’ and look forward to spending many thousands more.”

The project has Studio Ghibli’s blessing, according to Toshio Suzuki who produced “Spirited Away.”

“We, Hayao and I, both liked John’s vision. He is a person we can trust,” he was quoted as saying. “I am looking forward to seeing Chihiro grow on stage under his direction.” Niña V. Guno/JB

RELATED STORIES:

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ getting an animated movie; franchise to expand with Avatar Studios

LOOK: ‘Trese’ animated series based on Filipino comics teased by Netflix