
Calling all movie-goers, animation fans and literature enthusiasts! It’s not often that we get the chance to pique the interest of individuals from these three groups all at the same time, but the animated version of The Little Prince, one of the most famed pieces of French literature of our time, is set to hit the big screens in the later half of this year! If you haven’t already seen the trailer, read on and get ready to be mesmerized!
Written and illustrated by French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Le Petit Prince (or The Little Prince in English), is one of the world’s most translated and best-selling works of French literature of all time, and has been adapted into various forms of art and media including theatrical plays, ballet, audio recordings, and now, an animated movie.
As far as the trailers have shown us, the story seems to revolve around a busy little girl who lives by a hectic schedule set out by her mother, and an elderly aviator who steps into her life and starts to show her the wondrous world of the Little Prince, (hopefully) seamlessly bringing the classic tale into a modern world setting. We’ll save the talk for later, here are the trailers!
▼ In French
▼ In English/Japanese
Directed by the man who brought us Kung Fu Panda, Mark Osborne, the animated film utilizes a combination of CG reminiscent of Pixar productions and stop-motion papercraft animation to strike a contrast between the story about the girl’s life and the tale of the Little Prince.
The movie features a stellar voice cast including Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, James Franco, Jeff Bridges, Benicio del Toro, and Mackenzie Foy (Interstellar). The French version will start the ball rolling with its big screen debut on 7 October, and the film will be reaching the shores of Japan in December 2015. The release dates for the US and UK audiences have yet to be revealed, but if Japan is getting it in winter, chances are the rest of the world will be seeing it before that.
Winter 2015? It’s not even spring yet! Oh boy, this is going to be a long year of anticipation…

Black Butler Book of the Atlantic releases second trailer, additional cast info for anime movie
Studio Ghibli’s anime legacy lives on in latest trailer for Totoro designer’s new film 【Video】
Ghibli anime Whisper of the Heart/Mimi wo Sumaseba is getting a live-action sequel film
Evangelion in 11 languages! Amazon releases multi-lingual preview for final Eva anime film【Video】
Weathering with You is first anime submitted for Best International Film Oscar in over 20 years
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events