On March 11, 2025, GKIDS made an exciting announcement: Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic anime film Princess Mononoke will be screened in U.S. IMAX theaters. A highly anticipated 4K restoration of the film is set to debut in select IMAX locations starting March 26, 2025.
While tickets for this limited engagement are already available for purchase, the duration of the showings remains unspecified as of this writing. Fans can look forward to experiencing the film in its original 1999 English dub, which features several returning voice actors.
Details on the 4K Restoration and English Dub
The upcoming presentation of Princess Mononoke in a pristine 4K format will be accompanied by the original English dub, with notable cast members such as Gillian Anderson (Moro), Billy Crudup (Ashitaka), Claire Danes (San), Minnie Driver (Lady Eboshi), Jada Pinkett Smith (Toki), and Billy Bob Thornton (Jigo) reprising their roles. This aligns with fans’ expectations that the upcoming run will utilize the beloved 1999 dub. Additionally, GKIDS has confirmed that audiences will also have the option to view the film in its original Japanese language accompanied by English subtitles. A special trailer showcasing the 4K restoration footage has been released, building anticipation for its debut.
Behind the Scenes of the Restoration
GKIDS revealed that the restoration was supervised by Atsushi Okui, a veteran of Studio Ghibli since 1993. Okui’s substantial involvement with the studio has encompassed nearly every major project, with his latest role being the Director of Digital Imaging on the Academy Award-winning film The Boy and the Heron.
Interestingly, The Boy and the Heron marked Studio Ghibli’s first foray into IMAX screenings, suggesting a clear rationale for selecting Okui to oversee the restoration of this legendary film. While the connection was not explicitly confirmed by GKIDS, Okui’s prior experience as the cinematographer for the original 1997 film underscores his deep-seated relationship with Princess Mononoke.
A Timeless Classic
First released in Japanese theaters on July 12, 1997, Princess Mononoke continues to be celebrated as one of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces. This groundbreaking film showcases a fusion of traditional hand-drawn animation and innovative CGI techniques. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s Muromachi period (approximately 1336-1573), the film weaves a complex narrative exploring the delicate balance between humanity and nature, making it a timeless classic that resonates with audiences worldwide.