At the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Goro Miyazakison of legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki and also director, offered some candid statements about the future of Studio Ghibli. During a conversation before receiving the Honorary Palme d'Or on behalf of Ghibli, Goro highlighted the problems the studio faced with generational transitions.

Goro Miyazaki recalled that his father first announced his retirement after finishing “Princess Mononoke” in 1997. The creation of the Ghibli Museum was part of a strategy to provide a place where older animators could continue to contribute after they retired. However, this never materialized. Despite multiple attempts to pass the baton, Goro noted that critical decisions at Studio Ghibli remain primarily in the hands of Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki.

Goro also mentioned that the future of the studio will be defined when Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki are no longer around.He said he was going to retire and that all the older animators should too. He offered the Ghibli Museum as a place for them to work after his retirement, saying that they should all retire together. It was a somewhat unwelcome intrusion, although in the end it didn't turn out that way. Since then, we've discussed repeatedly how to pass the baton, but even now it's Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki who are in charge. They make most of the important decisions for the studio. So what will happen? I guess we'll find out when these two leave.“Goro commented.

These statements reflect real concerns about Studio Ghibli's ability to continue without the guidance of its founder and chief producer. Goro Miyazaki has made it clear that he still doesn't feel confident that the studio can survive once his father makes good on his threat to retire permanently. This uncertainty raises questions about the future of one of the world's most beloved animation studios.

Source: Yahoo! News Japan