Earwig and the Witch is one of Studio Ghibli’s most controversial productions. Nevertheless, the computer animated movie has won over many fans. They’ve been wondering for some time now whether a sequel will be released. Here’s what we know.
Studio Ghibli is world-renowned for its beautiful, hand-drawn anime movies. With Earwig and the Witch, however, the renowned studio ventured into new territory. The movie is entirely CGI-animated, making it stand out significantly from the crowd. The project was the brainchild of Gorō Miyazaki, the son of Ghibli legend Hayao Miyazaki.
Due to its unconventional animation style for Studio Ghibli, the film was heavily criticized. At the same time, it won over many fans. The abrupt ending left these fans wondering: Could Earwig and the Witch get a sequel?
Earwig and the Witch 2: Is a Sequel in Production?
Earwig and the Witch premiered at the Lumière Film Festival in France in October 2020. Shortly afterward, the movie was released in cinemas worldwide. Critics praised it primarily for its moving and humorous story. However, the film ends rather abruptly – almost as if a sequel, Earwig and the Witch 2, were already planned.
However, there will be no sequel. Director Gorō Miyazaki has already confirmed that a second film is not in development. And there’s a good reason for that.
Why Earwig and the Witch Won’t Get a Sequel
As you may know, Earwig and the Witch is based on the children’s novel of the same name by British author Diana Wynne Jones. However, the book was never finished because the author passed away before it could be completed. Consequently, the animated film also ends rather abruptly, and there is no source material that could be adapted for a possible sequel.
Furthermore, the movie was not a financial success. Its worldwide box office gross was only around 0.7 to 0.8 million US dollars. By comparison, even smaller anime movies often gross several million dollars, while successful Studio Ghibli films frequently reach double-digit or even triple-digit million-dollar figures.
However, the context must also be considered. Firstly, Earwig and the Witch was released during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many cinemas were closed. Furthermore, the movie was originally conceived as a television production for the Japanese broadcaster NHK and therefore never aspired to be a major worldwide cinematic blockbuster.
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The Story of Earwig and the Witch
Earwig lives happily in an orphanage, having been abandoned there by her mother several years ago. Against her will, however, she is adopted by Bella Yaga and Mandrake. Over time, Earwig learns that Bella Yaga is a real witch.
Aya helps her in order to learn magic from her in return. However, she is not satisfied with what she has learned, and since she cannot leave the house, Earwig decides to teach herself the arts of magic. With her own spells, she hopes to one day change the power dynamics within the house.