A few weeks ago we told you that legendary director Hayao Miyazaki has decided to retire, making The Wind Rises his last film. And now we know when US viewers will be able to put on their Totoro hoodies and cry themselves through the last two hours of new Miyazaki they’re ever going to get. I’m sorry, Studio Ghibli fans. I’m so, so sorry.
Disney will release the film for a week-long Academy Award-qualifying run in Los Angeles from November 8-14. People in other major move markets will be able to see it when it comes out in limited release on February 21st, and then the Friday after that, February 28th, it’ll expand to wide release.
Several people pointed out in the comments of our post about Miyazaki retiring that he’s claimed several times before that he’s dropping out of directing. And that’s a valid point. But this time he’s really doing it. No, really:
“I know I’ve said I would retire many times in the past. Many of you must think, ‘Once again.’ But this time I am quite serious…I’ve always wanted to do something besides animation. There are so many things I want to do.”
One of those things will be working at the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. But as for post-The Wind Rises Miyazaki movies… it’s not looking good. Each film takes years to make—The Wind Rises has taken five—and the 72-year-old director isn’t getting any younger.
- Sad News, Everyone: Hayao Miyazaki Is Retiring
- A Trailer for Studio Ghibli’s The Wind Rises, Now With English Subtitles!
- Two New Studio Ghibli Films Are Incoming for 2013
