Gkids Expands Studio Ghibli Film Distribution in UK and Ireland, Announces IMAX Release for 'Kiki's Delivery Service'
Gkids has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Studio Ghibli, securing comprehensive distribution rights for the acclaimed animation studio's entire 23-film library across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This strategic move promises to reintroduce many cherished titles, some of which have had limited availability in the region for years, to a new generation of viewers and loyal fans alike. The rollout will commence with a special IMAX screening of the beloved classic, 'Kiki's Delivery Service,' later this summer.
Studio Ghibli's Cinematic Treasures Return to UK and Ireland Screens
On July 2, 2026, Gkids officially unveiled its acquisition of the full distribution rights for Studio Ghibli's extensive film catalog in the UK and Ireland. This agreement grants Gkids control over theatrical releases, home video distribution, television broadcasting, and digital rights throughout the territory. The highly anticipated return of these animated masterpieces will begin on August 21, 2026, with a special IMAX presentation of 'Kiki's Delivery Service.' This marks the first of several planned IMAX re-releases, with 'The Secret World of Arrietty' (known as 'Arrietty' in the UK) and 'Whisper of the Heart' also slated for big-screen revivals. Furthermore, Gkids intends to launch new 4K remasters of the Ghibli library in IMAX starting in the fall of 2026, alongside a broader re-release of the entire collection across various home video platforms. The partnership in the UK and Ireland will see Gkids collaborate with Anime Limited, a Glasgow-based distributor recently acquired by Toho Global, Gkids' parent company. This collaboration builds on previous successful ventures, including 'Arcane' and 'Neon Genesis Evangelion,' and will extend to upcoming releases like Toho's 'Godzilla Minus Zero.' Negotiations for this landmark agreement were led by Eric Beckman for Gkids and Vincent Maraval of Goodfellas, the international sales agent for Studio Ghibli, excluding territories such as the U.S., Canada, and Japan. While Gkids has a long-standing history of distributing Ghibli films in North America across all formats, Goodfellas will maintain streaming rights for the UK and Ireland, where these films are currently licensed to Netflix. David Jesteadt, President of Gkids, expressed his enthusiasm for extending the relationship with Studio Ghibli and reintroducing these iconic films to both existing and new audiences. Vincent Maraval echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative effort to bring the celebrated Studio Ghibli library to British and Irish viewers. Studio Ghibli, co-founded by legendary directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, boasts two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature: 'Spirited Away' and 'The Boy and the Heron.' The studio, along with its associated museum and theme park, recently received an Honorary Palme d'Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. In related news, 'Kiki's Delivery Service' is also venturing beyond film, with BBC Studios Kids & Family, Wheel in Motion, and Kadokawa Corporation developing a live-action television series based on Eiko Kadono's original novels, marking the property's first live-action small-screen adaptation.
This news signals a fantastic opportunity for film enthusiasts in the UK and Ireland to immerse themselves in the magical worlds of Studio Ghibli. The commitment to IMAX releases and 4K remasters underscores a dedication to providing the highest quality viewing experience for these cinematic masterpieces. It's a reminder of the enduring power of animation and storytelling to transcend cultural boundaries and captivate audiences across generations. The partnership between Gkids and Anime Limited also suggests a promising future for anime distribution in the region, bringing more diverse and high-quality content to viewers.
