Japanese filmmaking legend Hayao Miyazaki is ready to conquer the world of animation one last time withThe Boy and The Heron, the latest and final movie of Studio Ghibli’s co-founder, which will debut in Toronto International Film Fest taking place from September 7 to September 17. The movie has already debuted in Japan, with no trailer, plot details or images being released before it hit theaters, except for a poster. And even without any marketing campaign, it managed to perform incredibly well at the box office. Now that the film is ready to be seen by the rest of the world,Fandangohas finally shared the first official look at it, teasing another animated masterpiece by Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli:
Details about the plot ofThe Boy and the Heron, akaHow Do You Live?,orKimitachi wa Dou Ikiru kaas it is known in Japan, are still being kept under wraps. However, we do know that the story is based on a 1837 novel by GenzaburÅ Yoshino, which centers on a young boy that lives with his mother and is dealing with adolescence, spiritual growth and trying to find his place in the world.
His uncle, who lives nearby, always has advice for his nephew, and they talk a lot, and all those interactions are written down on a diary the uncle carries. However, as it is usual on Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s projects, even the ones based on a particular story, the movie will probably include some magical or fantastical elements.
Related:Harry Potter Gets Studio Ghibli Style Makeover With AI
Hayao Miyazaki’s Leaves Behind a Wondrous Legacy
In 1985, along with some other legends from the world of animation Toshio Suzuki and Isao Takahata, Miyazaki founded one of the most influential companies in animation history, Studio Ghibli. But even before being part of the company,Hayao Miyazakiwas already a big name in the industry, working in projects likeLupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro or Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
Once at Ghibli, Miyazakidelivered some of his best workwith titles such asSpirited Away,Princess Mononoke,Howl’s Moving Castle,My Neighbor TotoroorPonyo, which all have become huge classics not only in Japan but around the world. Miyazaki also left his mark in the world of Manga, sharing his talent with titles likeThe Journey of Shuna, People of the DesertorThe Return of Hans. He even adapted several of his stories from the pages to the big screen.
The author and director has been an enormous inspiration for many big studios within the world of animation, like Pixar, with many movies from the studio including many references and Easter Eggs to Miyazaki’s work inside their filmography. In fact, Totoro, one of the most popular characters created by Miyazaki has a brief cameo inToy Story 3as a part of the group of toys in Bonnie’s room.
The Boy and the Heronwill debut internationally at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on August 05, 2025, as the opening film.
