An anime movie based on the Ni No Kuni series has been announced for release this summer, without the involvement of famed Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli. The studio, famous for films such as Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle, provided animation sequences and character design for the first game in the series Ni No Kuni and its enhanced re-release Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. However, they were not involved in the recent sequel to the game, and appear to be absent from the production credits for the upcoming movie.
Instead the film, which is being produced by Level-5 and Warner Bros. Japan, will be animated by OLM, Inc, the studio famous for their production of the Pokemon anime and series of movies. Although there is no involvement from the studio themselves some of those named on the official website have worked on previous Ghibli Productions. Yoshiyuki Momose who will be directing the film has previously directed several shorts, as well as working as an animator on some of Ghibli's most famous films and also worked on the games leading the animation for Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch and being the character designer for Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom. The music will be produced by Joe Hisaishi, the man behind not only the game soundtracks but the score for all but one of Ghibli director and founder Hayao Miyazaki's movies.
The story is set in the same world as the games, but will follow a new group of characters as they cross over between the real world and the magical land of Ni No Kuni. It is not yet known if any characters from the games will make an appearance, but with an impressive line up of talent and a popular IP behind it the film is certain to make a splash later this year.
What do you think about the announcement? Are you excited for the prospect of a Ni No Kuni movie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
