Earlier this month, Studio Ghibli announced they had decided not to release any promotional content for Hayao Miyazaki‘s final directorial feature How Do You Live. This includes trailers, posters, or still images of any kind. Studio Ghibli president Toshio Suzuki is confident with this new release strategy, and believes it will pique the audiences’ interest more.
In a recent interview with at the Ghibli Exhibit in Tokyo (via World of Reel), Miyazaki addressed his upcoming animated movie’s lack of marketing, admitting that he’s definitely nervous about its results. “I wonder if it’ll be okay without publicity,” the acclaimed filmmaker said. “I am beginning to worry […] I’m concerned, that’s all.”
What to Expect in How Do You Live?
Producer Suzuki Toshio also confirmed that Miyazaki’s How Do You Live won’t be based on the 1937 Japanese coming-of-age story by Genzaburō Yoshino, despite sharing the same title. Suzuki confirmed the film will instead feature an original story. In a previous interview, Studio Ghibli executive Toshio Suzuki described the project as a “big fantastical film” being worked on by 60 animators.
Miyazaki is best known for animated classics like including Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away. Fans are now able to celebrate his films through Studio Ghibli’s recently-opened theme park, which features attractions and rides inspired by Miyazaki’s work.
How Do You Live is scheduled to arrive in Japanese theaters on July 14. Currently, GKIDS has not yet announced the release date for its North American theatrical release.
