Mirimax Mononoke Press Release

The obviously overworked Miramax web site has a similar news article. I’m posting it here because I kept getting “Request Failed” responses when looking for it myself.

Miramax has signed Neil Gaiman, the creator/writer of the award-winning monthly cult DC Comics series Sandman, to write an English-language dubbed version of PRINCESS MONONOKE. The highest-grossing film in Japanese history, the animated PRINCESS MONONOKE wil be distributed in the US next year by Miramax Films.

Based loosely on Japanese Fooklore, PRINCESS MONONOKE is the animated tale of the war between the encroaching civilization of man and the beast gods of the forest, which threatens to unbalance the forces of nature.

“I couldn’t be more excited to write this script,” said Gaiman. “My goal is to remain faithful to the story while providing a translation that a non-Japanese audience will be able to follow. To that end, I’ve been researching Japanese folklore.”

Directed by Japan’s leading animator, the acclaimed Hayao Miyazaki, whose Studio Ghibli has created a string of critically acclaimed, award-winning animated films, PRINCESS MONONOKE has been eagerly anticipated outside of Japan. The only film to break $150 million (US) at the Japanese box office, PRINCESS MONONOKE even topped “E.T.” and Jurassic Park,” the only other films to break $100 million (US) in that country.

Gaiman is the creator/writer of the monthly DC Comics cult series “Sandman” which has won numerous honors including the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award for the Best Writer four years in a row; the Best Graphic Album – reprint award in 1991, and the best graphic album – New Award in 1993. In addition, at the annual Harvey Awards, Gaiman was named Best Writer two years in a row, and “Sandman” was named Best Continuing Series in 1992. “Sandman” #19 also took the 1991 World Fantasy Award for the best short story – the first comic book ever to be honored with a literary award. The Sandman collections have sold over 750,000 copies in paperback and hardcover, and Warner Bros. has optioned rights for a “Sandman” feature films.