BBC Studios partners with Wheel In Motion and KADOKAWA Corporation to develop live action TV adaptation of Kiki’s Delivery Service

BBC Studios Kids & Family has announced a new partnership with UK production company Wheel In Motion and Japan’s KADOKAWA Corporation to develop an ambitious live action fantasy-adventure television adaptation of Kiki’s Delivery Service, the internationally beloved novel by acclaimed Japanese author Eiko Kadono.

First published in 1985 by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers Inc. in Japan, Kiki’s Delivery Service has sold millions of copies worldwide and remains one of Japan’s most cherished children’s books.

In 1989 Studio Ghibli adapted the book into the world renowned animated feature directed by Hayao Miyazaki; it has since become a cultural phenomenon with a vast and global fanbase.

This new project marks the first time the story is being adapted as a live action television series, reimagining the fan favourite tale in a fresh and contemporary way for family audiences.

Currently in development, the series is planned as 10 half hour episodes centred primarily on the first volume of the original six-book series. It brings to life the extraordinary journey of Kiki, a 13 year old witch who has led a sheltered life until she leaves home to find her place in the world, moving to the port town of Koriko and starting a delivery service. Along the way, her optimism and kindness help her forge unlikely friendships and with every delivery, she brings more than packages; she delivers connection, hope and a sense of belonging.

The adaptation will be written by Irena Brignull, an acclaimed screenwriter and novelist with an exceptional track record in premium family storytelling. Her screen credits include the Oscar nominated The Boxtrolls, Sky’s Skellig and Netflix’s The Little Prince. A passionate author for young readers as well as audiences young at heart, Brignull aims to honour the heart of Kadono’s original novel, focusing on its enduring central theme: that everyone has their own magic inside them.

Grainne McNamara, BBC Studios Kids & Family said: “We are thrilled to be part of a collaboration to bring Kiki’s Delivery Service to life for a new generation on a global stage. Eiko Kadono’s beloved story has captivated audiences around the world, and this ambitious live-action adaptation offers a unique opportunity to reimagine its magic, warmth and sense of adventure.”

Alexi Wheeler from Wheel In Motion said “Bringing this beloved story to a new audience as a live-action series is a dream come true and an absolute honour. We just know we can deliver something incredible”

“Kiki is about to set off on another adventure into a new world. In this BBC Studios production, I hope you join Kiki to discover the joy of life and the sense of wonder that lies within you. I’m confident this will be a great show. I can’t wait to see the series come to life. I'm eager to hop on my broom and go meet the new Kiki.” said Eiko Kadono, Kiki's Delivery Service author and Hans Christian Andersen Award winner.

"We cannot imagine a more exciting tribute to the landmark 40th anniversary of this classic book series than this partnership". Said Takeo Kodera, Director, International Co-productions of KADOKAWA. "The UK creative team has absorbed the spirit of Kiki through their close collaboration with Ms. Kadono and the results will enchant family audiences everywhere."

Fukuinkan Publishing said “We hope that Eiko Kadono’s novel series Kiki's Delivery Service will take flight once again around the world in a new form, delivering its timeless magic to the hearts of many more people.”

Irena Brignull said: Kiki is one of fiction’s great girl characters and I’m thrilled to be part of bringing her to life in this new adaptation. Embodying the magic that exists in re-invention and human connection, she shows us what’s possible when you venture boldly and big-heartedly into the world to find a sense of purpose.”

This collaboration unites BBC Studios Kids & Family’s global expertise in children’s content with Wheel In Motion’s live action storytelling experience and KADOKAWA’s involvement of one of Japan’s most treasured literary properties. Together, the partners aim to create a rich emotionally resonant series that introduces Kiki to a new generation while remaining faithful to the spirit of the beloved book.

ENDS

About BBC Studios
BBC Studios is the main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd and generated revenues of £2.1 billion in the last year and profits of over £200 million for a fourth consecutive year. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the content studio, which produces, invests and distributes TV and audio globally and media & streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including UKTV, BBC.com and BritBox International and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made almost 3,300 hours of award-winning British programmes last year for a wide range of UK and global broadcasters and platforms. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who.

About Wheel in Motion
Founded in 2024, Wheel in Motion is a London-based studio dedicated to premium storytelling across animated and live-action series and feature films. The studio is headed by Alexi Wheeler, whose career spans senior content leadership roles at Nickelodeon and Netflix, where he contributed to the development and international rollout of globally successful IPs.

Wheel in Motion is part of the Superprod Group, one of Europe’s leading independent production groups in animation and live-action, with a strong track record in developing and producing internationally distributed content for children, families, and young adults.