Fans of Japanese animation, and those that consider themselves auteurs of Disney’s distribution of anime in the States, will immediately recognize the name Studio Ghibli. Headed by one of the most acclaimed directors of this generation in any medium, Hayao Miyazaki, the studio has produced instant classics like “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke,” and enduring fan favorites like “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” Fans of the studio’s work don’t just extend into the consumer circuit, as Media Molecule, developers of the infinitely creative sandbox-platformer, LittleBigPlanet have also expressed an appreciation for Miyazaki and company. More importantly, in a recent interview with Develop, company rep Siobhan Reddy mentioned the company would “definitely” like to work with the studio and director for future game content.
Although any real content is unlikely to spring up due to one interview, LittleBigPlanet has managed some interesting and varied content over the past half-year since it’s release. But there is no denying that a Totoro Sackboy would be making the inner child in all of us squeal with glee. Just…hopefully it doesn’t mean we would have to see Sackboys in the form of those forest spirits from “Mononoke”…that would be creepy.
If such a project were to happen, my heart would be filled with joy. Until then, the new Level 5 and Studio Ghibli project for DS will have to make due.
I want to punch you in the face for that last sentence though. A forest spirit and/or Kodama sackboy would easily be the greatest combo since peanut butter and jelly!