The Boy and the Heron is one of the most exciting animated movies coming to theatres this year, and we finally know who’s going to star in it. The English-language voice cast of Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film has been announced, and it includes Christian Bale, Gemma Chan, Mark Hamill, and Florence Pugh.
Luca Padovan joins the cast as protagonist Mahito Maki, alongside Christian Bale (Shoichi Maki), Dave Bautista (the Parakeet King), Gemma Chan (Natsuko), Willem Dafoe (Noble Pelican), Karen Fukuhara (Lady Himi), Mark Hamill (Grand Uncle), Robert Pattinson (The Grey Heron) and Florence Pugh (Kiriko). Mamoudou Athie, Tony Revolori and Dan Stevens will also star as the Parakeets.
The Boy and the Heron centers on a young boy named Mahito Maki, who moves to a new town to live with his aunt following his mother’s death. There, he discovers an abandoned tower, and a talking grey heron convinces him to enter it, promising he’ll discover a fantastical world shared by the living and dead, where he can be reunited with his mother.
The Boy and the Heron already became a huge hit in Japan following its surprise release this summer. It had its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival back in September, where it served as the opening film, and it will have its theatrical release in the United States on December 8.
