With all the self-destructive activities Warner Bros Discovery has been up to these past few months, we never expected to hear this, but it’s true: the company has announced a renewal of its streaming exclusivity deal with Studio Ghibli.
This deal was made back in 2020, when what was then called HBO Max was advertised as a classy new entry to the streaming wars that would expand the HBO brand to encompass a variety of genres held to their traditional standard of quality. Then AT&T ran up a huge bill, left, and gave everything to a reality schlock king, who lopped the more recognizable of the brand’s two words off so he could fill it with his signature drivel.
Given the lowering of standards, Zaslav’s hostility toward animation, and everything else, we expected the Ghibli deal to end so they could save a few bucks. But it didn’t. Max will still be where you can find every Ghibli movie in one place, and will be for years to come, even if it feels awkward to have Princess Mononoke sitting next to My 90-Day Fiance.
If you never knew Max had a Studio Ghibli section (they keep it well hidden), then surprise — everything from the studio’s 40-year history is there (it’s 40 years precisely; Nausicaa was released March 11, 1984). The renewed deal also covers Miyazaki’s latest, The Boy And The Heron, which will be added to the library later this year.
“Our subscribers are always looking for unique stories, and we are happy to continue to offer these award-winning, critically acclaimed films and to add The Boy and the Heron to our deep and rich Max content offering,” says Warner Bros. Discovery’s Elizabeth Bannan in the press release that announced the renewal.
The Boy And The Heron will also be returning to theaters for a victory run after its Oscar win. Distributor GKIDS has not revealed the exact day this will happen, but it will be soon.
A few words from Toshio Suzuki and GKIDS.
THE BOY AND THE HERON will return to North American theatres for a celebratory re-release soon. Stay tuned for details. pic.twitter.com/QhnQkah19c
— GKIDS Films (@GKIDSfilms) March 11, 2024
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