In a major announcement, the acclaimed Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli has extended its multiyear U.S. licensing deal with streaming platform Max, setting the stage for the exclusive streaming release of Hayao Miyazaki's latest hand-drawn original, "The Boy and the Heron". This comes after the film's recent wins for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars and Golden Globes.

Max's initial agreement with Studio Ghibli in 2020 was hailed as a groundbreaking move, making the studio's films available for streaming for the first time. Now, fans in the U.S. will eagerly await the premiere date for "The Boy and the Heron", which is set to be announced later this year.

Studio Ghibli, known for its breathtaking and influential works, has a string of accolades to its name. The studio previously won an Oscar for "Spirited Away" in 2002 and has received nominations for films like "Howl's Moving Castle", "The Wind Rises", "The Tale of The Princess Kaguya", and "When Marnie Was There". Other beloved creations from Studio Ghibli include "My Neighbor Totoro", "Kiki's Delivery Service", and "Ponyo".

Elizabeth Bannan Atcheson, VP of Content Acquisitions at Warner Bros. Discovery, expressed excitement about the continued collaboration: "Our subscribers are always looking for unique stories, and we are happy to continue to offer these award-winning, critically acclaimed films and to add 'The Boy and the Heron' to our deep and rich Max content offering."

"The Boy and the Heron" marks Hayao Miyazaki's return to feature filmmaking after a decade-long hiatus. Initially announcing his retirement in 2013, Miyazaki reversed his decision and worked alongside Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki to bring this enchanting tale to life. The film follows the journey of young Mahito, who, in the midst of his mother's passing and his father's remarriage, embarks on a mysterious adventure in a dreamlike world that bridges the divide between the living and the dead.

Released in Japan last summer by Toho, "The Boy and the Heron" has already accumulated a worldwide box office gross of over $167 million, showcasing its wide appeal and Miyazaki's enduring popularity.

Gkids, a renowned producer and distributor of artist-driven animation, also celebrates a milestone with "The Boy and the Heron". Founded in 2008, Gkids has amassed an impressive total of 13 Animated Feature Oscar nominations, winning the coveted award for the first time with Miyazaki's latest masterpiece.

As fans anxiously await the arrival of "The Boy and the Heron" on Max, this exclusive streaming release promises to transport viewers into a captivating world of imagination and storytelling, reaffirming Hayao Miyazaki's status as a visionary filmmaker and Studio Ghibli's indelible legacy in the realm of animation.