Studio Ghibli’s enigmatic past: 10 films begging for prequels

Studio Ghibli has created a magical universe that captivates audiences with its enchanting storytelling, rich characters, and stunning animation. Each film offers a glimpse into a world teeming with wonder, leaving fans yearning for more. While sequels often continue the journey, prequels offer a chance to delve into the origins and untold histories of beloved characters and settings.Exploring these backstories could enrich the Ghibli experience, revealing the events that shaped the enchanting worlds we know and love. Here are ten Studio Ghibli movies that deserve prequels, offering deeper insights and expanding the magical tapestry woven by these classic films.
The Pom Poko Tanuki Would Shine in a Slice-of-Life Anime
Image Courtesy: Pom Poko- Official Website
Pom Poko introduces viewers to the tanuki, shape-shifting raccoons struggling against urban development. A prequel could explore their daily lives before this conflict, focusing on their traditions, folklore, and the magic of their transformations. A slice-of-life anime would allow for a deeper connection with the tanuki, highlighting their playful and mischievous nature, their interactions with the natural world, and the bonds within their community. Such a series would blend humour and heart, capturing the essence of their culture and the serenity of their lives before their habitat was threatened, adding layers to their struggle in the main film.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Depicts a Once Beautiful World
Image Courtesy: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind- Official Website
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind presents a post-apocalyptic world devastated by ecological disaster. A prequel could depict the vibrant, flourishing world before the catastrophe, exploring the events leading to its downfall. This narrative could focus on the rise of industrialization, the pollution that ensued, and the early warnings that were ignored. By portraying the initial beauty and subsequent destruction, the prequel would emphasize the film's environmental message. It would also provide context for the ancient technologies and toxic jungles seen in the movie, highlighting the tragedy of a lost paradise and deepening the audience's understanding of Nausicaa's mission.
Laputa's Grandeur in Castle in the Sky
Image Courtesy: Castle in the Sky- Official Website
Castle in the Sky centres on the mysterious floating city of Laputa, a relic of a lost civilization. A prequel could explore Laputa's heyday, showcasing its advanced technology, architectural splendour, and the society that thrived there. This story could delve into the reasons behind Laputa's isolation and eventual abandonment, perhaps driven by internal conflicts or a cataclysmic event. By illuminating the grandeur and decline of this majestic city, the prequel would enhance the lore of Laputa, providing a richer backdrop to Sheeta and Pazu's adventure and offering a poignant commentary on the hubris and fragility of human achievement.
Moro's Intriguing Backstory in Princess Mononoke
Image Courtesy: Princess Mononoke- Official Website
Princess Mononoke features Moro, the wise and fierce wolf goddess, who plays a crucial role in the story. A prequel could delve into Moro's past, exploring her early life, her rise to leadership, and her relationship with the forest and its spirits. This narrative could also address her first encounters with humans, the formation of her strong anti-human sentiments, and the events that led to her adopting San. By focusing on Moro's perspective, the prequel would provide a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between humans and nature, highlighting themes of coexistence and conflict that are central to the film.
The Enchanting Love Story of Fujimoto & Granmamare in Ponyo
Image Courtesy: Ponyo- Official Website
Ponyo introduces Fujimoto, a sorcerer, and Granmamare, a powerful sea goddess, as parents to the titular character. A prequel could explore their enchanting love story, revealing how a human and a deity fell in love and navigated the challenges of their unique relationship. This story could delve into Fujimoto's transformation from a human to a sea dweller, the sacrifices they made, and the adventures they shared in the mystical underwater world. By exploring their romance and the blending of their distinct worlds, the prequel would enrich the lore of Ponyo, adding depth to the characters and their motivations.
Prince Lune & Yuki's Beautiful Happily Ever After in The Cat Returns
Image Courtesy: The Cat Returns- Official Website
The Cat Returns features Prince Lune and Yuki, whose love story unfolds in the background. A prequel could focus on their journey, detailing how they met, fell in love, and overcame obstacles to be together. This narrative could explore the politics and social dynamics of the Cat Kingdom, as well as the personal growth and trials they faced. By delving into their romance and the intricacies of their world, the prequel would provide a fuller picture of the Cat Kingdom's culture and the characters' backstories, enhancing the charm and appeal of the original film.
Haku's Rich Yet Untapped Backstory in Spirited Away
Image Courtesy: Spirited Away- Official Website
Spirited Away introduces Haku, a mysterious river spirit with a complex past. A prequel could uncover his origins, exploring his life as a river god, his relationship with humans, and the events that led to his servitude under Yubaba. This story could delve into his transformation from a benevolent spirit to a bound servant, highlighting his struggles, sacrifices, and the loss of his river. By revealing Haku's backstory, the prequel would provide a deeper understanding of his character and the spiritual world of Spirited Away, enriching the narrative with themes of memory, identity, and redemption.
Howl's Colourful Past in Howl's Moving Castle
Image Courtesy: Howl's Moving Castle- Official Website
Howl's Moving Castle features Howl, a flamboyant wizard with a mysterious past. A prequel could explore his early life, his discovery of magic, and the events that shaped his enigmatic personality. This narrative could delve into his relationships with other wizards, his acquisition of the moving castle, and his encounters with the Witch of the Waste. By shedding light on Howl's formative years and the choices that led him to become the man we meet in the film, the prequel would add depth to his character, enhancing the themes of self-discovery and courage present in the original story.
The Catbus & Totoros as Protagonists in a My Neighbor Totoro Prequel
Image Courtesy: My Neighbor Totoro- Official Website
My Neighbor Totoro introduces the lovable Totoro and the whimsical Catbus. A prequel could centre on their adventures before meeting Satsuki and Mei, exploring the magical world they inhabit and their roles within it. This story could delve into the origins of the Catbus, the history of the Totoros, and their interactions with other forest spirits. By focusing on these enchanting creatures, the prequel would expand the whimsical universe of My Neighbor Totoro, offering a delightful and imaginative exploration of their lives, friendships, and the magic that permeates their world.
Kiki's Mother’s Similar Journey in Kiki's Delivery Service
Image Courtesy: Kiki's Delivery Service- Official Website
Kiki's Delivery Service follows young witch Kiki on her journey to independence. A prequel could focus on her mother, Kokiri, tracing her own coming-of-age story as a young witch. This narrative could explore Kokiri's challenges, adventures, and the development of her magical abilities. By paralleling Kiki's journey, the prequel would highlight the generational continuity of witchcraft, the traditions passed down, and the universal themes of growth and self-reliance. This story would not only provide a deeper understanding of Kiki's background but also celebrate the timeless journey of finding one's place in the world.