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Indie producer and distributor GKIDS revealed the English voice cast forThe Boy and the Heron, HayaoMiyazaki’s hand-drawn animated film. GKIDS is managing the production of the English version in close consultation with Studio Ghibli. With a release date of June 19, 2025, in North America, this movie is an original semi-autobiographical story and Oscar winner Miyazaki’s first feature film after ten years.
The Boy and the Heronwas released on July 14 in Japan and the movie was an absolute hit. The title marked its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be presented in IMAX at the TCL Chinese Theatre on October 18 which will mark the beginning of the Animation Is Film Festival.
Also Read:“It’s tough being a Japanese god today”: Hayao Miyazaki’s Obsession Made His Oscar Winning Studio Ghibli Movie Possible Despite Risking His American Fanbase
The English voice cast for The Boy and the Heron
The English voice cast ofThe Boy and the Heronhas been officially revealed and consists of top-notch actors. It includes names like Christian Bale, Florence Pugh, Mark Hamill, and many more. The Studio Ghibli film was considered the final pitstop of animator Hayao Miyazaki’s career.
The English Voice cast features Christian Bale, the film’s lead, who plays the role of the protagonist, Shoichi Maki. Dave Bautista as The Parakeet King, Gemma Chan as Natsuko, Willem Dafoe as Noble Pelican, Karen Fukuhara as Lady Himi, Mark Hamill as Granduncle, Robert Pattinson as The Gray Heron, and finally Florence Pugh as Kiriko.
Most of the talents included in the cast have some sort of experience with voice acting. Christian Bale has previously worked on anotherStudio Ghiblimovie,Howl’s Moving Castleas Howl, while Florence Pugh starred inPuss in Boots: The Last Wish. Mark Hamill is a well-known name and the iconic voice of the Joker inBatman: The Animated Seriesneeds no introduction!
Also Read:“That much?”: Hayao Miyazaki’s Final Studio Ghibli Movie the Most Expensive Film in Japanese History, Confirms Producer
What is The Boy and the Heron about?
Studio Ghiblidescribed the synopsis ofThe Boy and the Heronas, “A young boy named Mahito yearning for his mother ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. There, death comes to an end, and life finds a new beginning. A semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death, and creation, in tribute to friendship, from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki.”
The Wind Riseswas Miyazaki’s last film ten years ago. It was a historical biopic of Japanese airplane engineer Jiro Horikoshi.The Boy and the Herongoes back to the fantasy elements that any Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli enthusiast will recognize. This includes his previous works likePrincess MononokeandSpirited Away.
Also Read:“Studio Ghibli has long been struggling”: Unable to Find a Successor to Legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli to be Sold Off to Nippon TV
Archak Mitra
Articles Published :294
Despite holding a degree in Chemistry Majors, Archak found himself as a Journalist. His love for anime and choccy milk is unmatched! When not writing, Archak can be found indulging with motorcycles. After all, four wheels move the body but two wheels move the soul!
