Rumours have recently circulated about a potential live-action adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s iconic film “Spirited Away,” which is expected to be released on Netflix or Amazon Prime. However, these claims have been thoroughly refuted by numerous sources.

Not in the mood to read? Watch the video here.

The poster that sparked these rumours has been confirmed to be a fake. It was created digitally, most likely with AI, and does not represent any actual plans for a live-action series or film. The fabricated poster featured no actual actors and falsely advertised a six-episode series scheduled to premiere in somewhere in 2024.

Studio Ghibli has not announced plans to make a live-action adaptation of “Spirited Away.” Historically, the studio has shown little interest in live-action versions of its animated films. Studio Ghibli’s only live-action project was the short film “Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo” in 2012. It combined live-action footage with CGI.

While there are no plans for a live-action film or series, “Spirited Away” has been successfully adapted into a stage play. This live-action stage adaptation, directed by John Caird, premiered at Tokyo’s Imperial Theatre and has since toured various locations in Japan, including Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Nagoya​​.

The stage play features a talented cast, including Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi alternating in the role of Chihiro, and has received widespread acclaim. The production involves intricate puppetry, elaborate set designs, and a faithful adaptation of Joe Hisaishi’s original score​​.

The stage adaptation has also reached international audiences. It is set to perform at the London Coliseum in the summer of 2024, with tickets for the West End extension already available for booking​ (Headout)​. Additionally, the stage play has been made available for digital streaming, allowing fans worldwide to experience this unique adaptation online​​.

Despite the excitement generated by the false poster, there are no official plans for a live-action “Spirited Away” series or film. Fans can enjoy the beloved story through the highly praised stage play, which continues to capture the magic of Hayao Miyazaki’s original masterpiece.