Studio Ghibli is aiming to be back in a big way next year, dipping into Diana Wynne Jones territory again for Earwig And The Witch. Now we know that Dan Stevens, Richard E. Grant, Kacey Musgraves and newcomer Taylor Paige Henderson will be among the English-language voice cast.
Switched back from the Japanese title change (Aya And The Witch), Earwig chronicles a fantasy story about a young outsider. Growing up in an orphanage in the British countryside, Earwig (Henderson) has no idea that her mother had magical powers. Her life changes dramatically when a strange couple takes her in, and she is forced to live with a selfish witch. As the headstrong young girl sets out to uncover the secrets of her new guardians, she discovers a world of spells and potions, and a mysterious song that may be the key to finding the family she has always wanted.
Musgraves, in addition to voicing Earwig's mother, will provide the English-language version of the movie's them tune, 'Don't Disturb Me'. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, Earwig And The Witch will be in cinemas this spring as the first release from new UK distributor Elysian.