Studio Ghibli Producer Confirms Hayao Miyazaki is Working on New Feature Film

Beloved and acclaimed Studio Ghibli filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki is officially coming out of retirement to make one last (maybe) animated feature film for Studio Ghibli. Known for films like Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away and The Wind Rises, Miyazaki hasn’t directed a new film since 2013.

The rumors of his return were initially reported back in November, but now we’ve actually got confirmation (via IndieWire). Toshio Suzuki, longtime Studio Ghibli producer, confirmed the project during an Academy screening of The Red Turtle, saying, “Right now in Tokyo, he’s putting all his effort into making it.” There’s no confirmation on exactly what the project is, but reports have theorized it’s connected to Miyazaki’s comments about how his short film Boro the Caterpillar would work better as an extended feature.

Either way, this is cause for excitement. Miyazaki has been one of the more prolific and creative filmmakers of recent years, whose films have become instant classics. As far as we’re concerned, he can feign retirement as many times as he wants.