GKIDS Announce 'Earwig and The Witch' Theatrical and Streaming Release Dates

Who knows how long we will have to wait to see Hayao Miyazaki's new feature, currently in development? In the meantime though, anyone craving some brand new Studio Ghibli can get it in the form of the new film Earwig and The Witch, from Goro Miyazaki. The younger Miyazaki's third feature is also the first CG film from the Studio. After screening on Japanese TV at the end of 2020, the film is getting upgraded to a theatrical release overseas.

GKIDS Films have now announced that the film will release in the United States on February 3. The film will screen both through Fathom Events and as a more traditional release on the independent circuit. But mindful of the reality that not everybody is willing or able to make it to a cinema right now, GKIDS have also announced that the film will also be available streaming shortly after.

Earwig and The Witch will be available streaming on HBO Max from February 5. HBO Max is the exclusive streaming home for the Studio Ghibli library in the US, so this is no surprise- although we wouldn't have expected it to be available quite so soon.

"We are thrilled to be bringing Goro Miyazaki’s magical new film to North American audiences next month, "GKIDS President Dave Jesteadt says. "Earwig and the Witch is the first new Studio Ghibli release in four years and is the studio’s first foray into computer animation. Working together with HBO Max, Fathom Events, and other theatrical partners will enable GKIDS to bring this wonderful film to the widest possible audience."

You can sign up for updates at the film's website. 

HBO Max will also begin streaming Ghibli documentaries Never Ending Man and The Kingdom Of Dreams and Madness,  as well as fellow GKIDS titles Ride Your Wave, Promare, The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl and Weathering With You from this month.