Studio Ghibli’s “Princess Mononoke” To Return to Theaters in January

Following in the path of the Japanese animation studios’ successful and beloved film “Spirited Away”. The international hit 2001 film re-released itself in cinemas this past weekend for a limited time engagement. Offering fans, new and old alike, to relive the favourite tale once more on the silver screen thanks to a collaborative effort with Fathom Events.

After writing my article about the-then- upcoming showings, I questioned if this would continue to become a trend.

It did not take that long to find a answer.

Anime fans rejoice, as another stunning Studio Ghibli film is about to return to the silver screen. Princess Mononoke is headed to theatres next year.

According to the press release from Studio Ghibli, the iconic film from writer/director Hayao Miyazaki is returning to movie theaters for just two nights to celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary, and Miyazaki’s birthday.

Princess Mononoke unfolds as Ashitaka, a young warrior inflicted with a deadly curse, heads into the forest in search of a cure. There, he meets the enigmatic Princess Mononoke, a young girl raised by wolves, who will stop at nothing to prevent the humans from destroying her home, and the forest spirits and animal gods who live there.

The English dub cast features Billy Crudup as Ashitaka and Claire Danes as San, the Princess Mononoke, with Gillian Anderson, Billy Bob Thornton, Minnie Driver, Jada Pinkett Smith, John DiMaggio, John DeMita and Keith David.

“Twenty years after its release, Princess Mononoke remains an undisputed animated triumph and one of the most thrilling adventures ever produced,” said GKIDS’ President Eric Beckman. “Following the great success of Spirited Away returning to theaters, we are excited to present ‘Princess Mononoke’ in a theatrical setting to fans both old and new. It’s also a fitting way to celebrate Miyazaki’s birthday as we remind ourselves of the cinematic gifts he has given audiences over the years.”

It goes without saying that I am thrilled.

In addition to Princess Mononoke screening, there are three more anime films slated to come to theatres early next year. Funimation’s One Piece Film Gold and Your Name. In addition to Viz bring the first Sailor Moon film, Sailor Moon R the Movie: Promise of the Rose.

The hype is real. I suppose what we should be asking is what film is next?

Princess Mononoke: 20th Anniversary will run subtitled on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 7 p.m. and English-dubbed on Monday, January 9, at 7 p.m.

Join the conversation: What do you make of the trend of Fathom Events? Nay, or yay?