The Boy and The Heron was thought to be Miyazaki’s final film, but it turns out he’s already "obsessed" with his next one.
During an interview with Liberation, Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki revealed that Miyazaki is already working on his next project.
“He's thinking about this next project every day, and I can't stop him — in fact, I've given up,” said producer Toshio Suzuki. “I no longer try to dissuade him, even if he were to make a failed film. In life, it's only the work that delights him.”
Miyazaki previously came out of retirement to make one final film, The Boy and The Heron (which was originally titled How Do You Live?). However, those around him have doubted whether or not Miyazaki will really give up filmmaking.
“Other people say that this might be his last film, but he doesn't feel that way at all," said Ghlibli executive Junichi Nishioka. "He is currently working on ideas for a new film. He comes into his office every day and does that. This time, he's not going to announce his retirement at all. He's continuing working just as he has always done."
And while The Boy and The Heron is still wowing audiences across the globe, Suzuki confirmed Miyazaki has already moved on from the project. “We were talking again just now, and he said something incredible to me,” said Suzuki. “He said, 'By the way, what was my last film about? I can't remember.' He started talking about a new project, so I'm not stopping him. As long as he's working, I won't be able to retire. He's 82, and I think he'll go on until he's 90. I'm going with him.”
As for what that film will be about, that’s still firmly under wraps. However, it looks as though fans can look forward to at least one more Miyazaki movie.
IGN’s review of The Boy and The Heron gave it 9/10 and said: “The Boy and the Heron sees Hayao Miyazaki looking back at a career of telling fantastical stories full of whimsy and wonder. It's Studio Ghibli's most visually complex film to date, while also contemplating the legacy of a legendary filmmaker and the world he is leaving behind. It serves as an ultimate statement from Miyazaki, and the perfect coda to his career.”
Want to read more about Miyazaki? Check out our choices for the 11 best Studio Ghibli films and find out what it’s like to visit Ghibli Park in Japan.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
