Legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki is stepping out of retirement once again, this time to bring his long-gestating project, “Boro the Caterpillar,” to the big screen as a feature film. Initially envisioned as a short CGI film for exclusive screening at Japan’s Ghibli Museum, Miyazaki has decided to expand the project into a full-length movie.
During a recent NHK TV special, Miyazaki revealed his dissatisfaction with the short film version and confirmed he had proposed making it into a feature film. The project, which has been in development for over two decades, centers on the life of a tiny, hairy caterpillar, described by Miyazaki as so small “it may be easily squished between your fingers.”
Miyazaki, the acclaimed director behind iconic films such as “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Princess Mononoke,” and the Academy Award-winning “Spirited Away,” had previously declared his retirement following the release of “Princess Mononoke.” However, he returned to direct “Spirited Away,” which garnered him an Oscar in 2003. Now at 75, Miyazaki’s decision to return to filmmaking has excited fans and industry insiders alike.
While “Boro the Caterpillar” is expected to be released in about five years, the anticipation for another cinematic masterpiece from Miyazaki is palpable among his global fanbase. This new venture marks another significant moment in the illustrious career of one of the animation industry’s most revered figures.