Studio Ghibli's "The Boy and the Heron" Set for U.S. Streaming Debut on Max

Studio Ghibli's acclaimed film, The Boy and the Heron, will make its U.S. streaming debut on Max this fall. Mark your calendars for Friday, September 6, when this Oscar®-winning and Golden Globe®-winning masterpiece becomes available exclusively on the platform.

The Boy and the Heron is a hand-drawn original story crafted by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, marking his first feature film in a decade. Both written and directed by the Academy Award®-winning director, this film adds another gem to the extensive Studio Ghibli collection available on Max, part of a multiyear U.S. deal announced earlier this year.

The story centers on young Mahito, who, after the tragic loss of his mother in a hospital fire, relocates to his family's countryside estate. Here, he encounters a series of mysterious events that lead him to an ancient tower inhabited by a mischievous gray heron. When Mahito's new stepmother vanishes, he follows the heron into the tower, entering a fantastical world where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur. Guided by the heron, Mahito embarks on an epic journey to uncover the secrets of this world and discover the truth about himself.

The film features an impressive voice cast including Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh. With such a talented ensemble, The Boy and the Heron promises to deliver a captivating and emotional experience.

Studio Ghibli stands as one of the most acclaimed and influential animation studios globally, captivating filmmakers and audiences alike with its enchanting stories and stunning visuals for over 30 years. Under the creative genius of directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki, the studio has produced timeless classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Ponyo. The studio's films have garnered numerous international awards, including an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature for Spirited Away, and Oscar® nominations for Howl's Moving Castle, The Wind Rises, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There, and The Red Turtle.

With The Boy and the Heron, Studio Ghibli continues its tradition of storytelling excellence, delivering a film that is sure to resonate with audiences for years to come. Be sure to stream it exclusively on Max starting September 6.