Studio Ghibli has revealed that their next upcoming feature film, How Do You Live?, will be released for IMAX on the same day it releases in theaters in Japan. This will be the first in the studio’s history to have a simultaneous IMAX release. The film, set to release in Japanese theaters on July 14, 2023. There is currently no international release window for the film, but it is very likely it releases shortly after the July 14 premiere.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Final Film How Do You Live? To Be Released by Studio Ghibil in IMAX
Hayao Miyazaki’s final film ‘HOW DO YOU LIVE?’ will be released in IMAX.
The film releases in Japanese theaters in 1 week. pic.twitter.com/M50Z9nVuwJ
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 7, 2023
Legendary Studio Ghibli founder and animator Hayao Miyazaki formally announced the production of “How Do You Live?” back in 2017. The film is based on the 1937 novel of the same name; it focuses on the story of a 15-year-old boy named Cooper who, after the death of his father, begins to contemplate some of life’s biggest questions. It follows Cooper’s story as he goes on a journey of philosophical enlightenment to answer life’s questions.
It should be noted that this is the plot summary of the original 1937 novel. An official plot summary for Studio Ghibli’s adaption of How Do You Live? has not been shared, nor has a voice cast or animation staff.
Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki has also confirmed that the film will not have any prior trailers or advertisements of any kind before its July 14, 2023 release. These include even newspaper ads and TV spots. It is possible a trailer will be released for international audiences following the premiere.
The film is slated to be the final film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The last film Miyazaki had directed was 2013’s The Wind Rises, but he is now choosing to work on “How Do You Live?” for his last contribution to the studio. He has reportedly been drawing out the storyboards since around 2016.