‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ Live-Action Series Set at BBC Studios, Kadokawa and Wheel in Motion - Variety

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BBC Studios Kids & Family has unveiled a three-way partnership with U.K. production company Wheel in Motion and Japan’s Kadokawa Corporation to develop a live-action television series based on Eiko Kadono’s novel “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” marking the property’s first live-action television treatment.

Currently in development, the project is planned as 10 half-hour episodes drawn primarily from the first volume of Kadono’s six-book series. The story follows 13-year-old witch Kiki as she leaves home and relocates to the port town of Koriko, where she sets up a delivery service and forges new friendships.

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Irena Brignull is attached to write the series. Her screen credits include the Oscar-nominated “The Boxtrolls,” Sky’s “Skellig” and Netflix’s “The Little Prince.”

Originally published in Japan in 1985 by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” has sold millions of copies worldwide. Studio Ghibli brought the novel to the screen in 1989 as an anime feature directed by Miyazaki Hayao. The new adaptation marks the 40th anniversary of the book series.

“We are thrilled to be part of a collaboration to bring ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ to life for a new generation on a global stage,” said Grainne McNamara of BBC Studios Kids & Family.

“Bringing this beloved story to a new audience as a live-action series is a dream come true and an absolute honor,” added Alexi Wheeler of Wheel in Motion.

“We cannot imagine a more exciting tribute to the landmark 40th anniversary of this classic book series than this partnership,” said Takeo Kodera, director of international co-productions at Kadokawa. “The U.K. creative team has absorbed the spirit of Kiki through their close collaboration with Ms. Kadono and the results will enchant family audiences everywhere.”

“Kiki is about to set off on another adventure into a new world,” added Kadono, who is also a Hans Christian Andersen Award winner. “I’m confident this will be a great show. I can’t wait to see the series come to life.”

“Kiki is one of fiction’s great girl characters and I’m thrilled to be part of bringing her to life in this new adaptation,” said Brignull. “Embodying the magic that exists in re-invention and human connection, she shows us what’s possible when you venture boldly and big-heartedly into the world to find a sense of purpose.”

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