BBC Studios to develop live-action Kiki's Delivery series

A new live-action television series based on the beloved story of "Kiki's Delivery Service" is officially in development. The project is a collaboration between BBC Studios Kids & Family, the U.K. production company Wheel in Motion, and Japan's Kadokawa Corporation. This marks the first live-action TV adaptation of the property.

The series will draw primarily from the first volume of Eiko Kadono's six-book children's fantasy series, which was first published in Japan in 1985. The story follows Kiki, a 13-year-old witch who leaves home to find independence, moving to the port town of Koriko with her talking cat, Jiji. There, she starts a flying delivery service and navigates the challenges of growing up while forging new friendships.

The adaptation is currently planned for ten half-hour episodes. Screenwriter Irena Brignull, whose credits include "The Boxtrolls" and "The Little Prince," has been attached to write the series. The project is being developed in honor of the 40th anniversary of Kadono's book series, which has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Key figures from the production companies expressed their enthusiasm. Grainne McNamara, Vice President of Development for BBC...