Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli & 'Earthsea' by Ursula K Le Guin.

well, this is of course an exciting news but I always thought that "Earthsea" is one of those gems of literature which could not be adapted to a film, or series (let's all remember last year's crappy TV series adaptation of Earthsea - in which Ursula Le Guin herself was not satisfied at all) I've read all the books of this series and I can frankly say that everyone has his/her own Ged or Tenar or Tehanu. Every story that has been told in the series is about growing up, life, death and... well, maybe shortly about the awereness of the self and the environment we live in. with all these subtexts, whoever tries to adapt Earthsea into a movie or else, would possibly leave them out of the script.

Yes, and Miyazaki's never featured any exploration of those themes or similar in any of his films so far. :P

No, seriously, after the Sci-Fi Channel debacle I wouldn't blame any faan for being skeptical, but if this did turn out to be true I could see it working pretty well. It's a long time since I read the books - I admit I went off them towards the latter parts of the cycle - but from what I do remember they would seem to tie in reasonably well with Miyazaki's worldview. As rumours go, it's a lot more plausible than some.

I liked the made-for A&E LeGuin adaptation of Lathe of Heaven which starred David Strathairn, James Caan and Luke Haas. It is a nice little low-budget gem.

Eight Rooks, I'd rather not call it as being "skeptical" but there's one thing for sure, I am taking "Earthsea" very personally :) I've read the books while I was having really hard experiences to do with my life and and these books somehow helped me to see things from a different angle. Say, "A Wizard of Earthsea", Ged chases his shadow all through the adventure and at the end he gains the courage to face it, which is a direct reference to Jung's shadow archetype. In Atuan, the tombs are not just dark labyrinths of caves but they are in fact the womb of Tenar and tells the story of how she explores her own sexuality. How could we ever expect these subtexts to be given properly just by watching the film. Of course, to no one's denial, Miyazaki or maybe we should call Ghibli, could take all these precious materials so well and would probably do a good job while adapting it into a film but I guess I will always have my very own Earthsea, somewhere deep in myself.

Miyazaki is my favourite director, and his features all deal with the subtleties of human psychology. I think he can handle any complexities the books present and create a memorable version for the dedicated followers of both book and film.

I also don't think a literal adaption of Earthsea will ever be right for most fans. But Miyazaki doesn't work this way when it comes to adaptions. He takes only as much as he wants, and otherwise moulds it around his own personal themes. So I would cautiously trust Miyazaki with Earthsea, but wouldn't expect a straight adaption.

When watching Howl's Moving Castle I actually noticed a few things that reminded me of Earthsea. Particularly, the place of "magic" in the world, where being a magician is a simply craft which you may have an aptitude for, takes a lot of studying, involves physical risk and exertion, and your role in society can can be anything from village healer to royal adviser, and practitioners may be humble craftsmen or vain show-offs, but very human.

Looks like the director is Hayao Miyazaki's son, Goro...

I really feel he will do a great job. Howl's moving castle wasn't an exact remake, but I heard the author was pleased with his interpretation. He really has a style of his own and I will take this movie as a work of his art, instead 'omg it has to be the exact remake of the book!' Instead of looking for what there isn't, look for all that the movie gives :) I can't wait to watch it >

the books were great, and miyazaki is an amazing director. but don't forget one thing, the famed miyazaki is not directing this. it is his son who has never done a full feature movie. don't get the hopes up over it, but do expect great things from Ghibli.

I can't wait to sea this!! I'm a big fan of studio ghibli films and have just been introduced to the earthsea trilogy by my boyfriend. I've read the first two books and am now totally immersed in tehanu. it seems so perfect to hear that this film has been made now... but when will it be released in the uk? or has it already been...? WOW. I MUST see it. Thank the world! (I believe in emracing excitement and fearing not the possibility of disappointment) :)