In a shifting landscape for Russian streaming, the beloved films of Hayao Miyazaki are slated to disappear from broadcasting platforms on June 1. The move follows Studio Ghibli’s decision to halt renewals of its rental rights within Russia, a development reported by an industry insider to TASS. The same source confirmed that the distributor’s rights to Studio Ghibli titles are expiring and could not be renewed, marking an important change for viewers who have long enjoyed these animated classics in the region.
Before the June cut-off, Kinopoisk, a major Russian streaming service, briefly listed Miyazaki titles at a symbolic one ruble and announced that popular films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo would be available for purchase until May 31. After that date, the option to buy would be removed for new subscribers, leaving only existing purchasers with access through their accounts. This pricing move appeared to be a last effort to preserve access to the content while the licensing situation was being resolved.
Industry experts interpret the strategy as a way for the service to retain meaningful, recognizable content and keep its audience engaged even after the formal rights to the cartoons lapse. The underlying aim is to smooth the transition for viewers and minimize disruption to fans who have come to expect reliable access to Studio Ghibli’s oeuvre.
In related entertainment news, there are plans in the United States to revive a much-loved American animated series. Futurama is scheduled to return to screens by the end of July, with creators promising a new season that honors longtime fans while offering fresh surprises. The revival is anticipated to broaden the show’s reach and introduce a new generation to its distinctive humor and sci-fi premise.
Across markets, this sequence of licensing changes reflects broader shifts in how classic animated properties are distributed. Rights holders continually renegotiate arrangements to balance the interests of streaming platforms, licensors, and audiences. Fans in North America and beyond may notice longer licensing windows, evolving release strategies, and occasional shifts in availability as studios adapt to changing viewership patterns. In the case of Studio Ghibli, the move underscores the power of catalog titles to attract and retain subscribers while navigating the complexities of international distribution. The broader takeaway is that accessibility to iconic animated films can be as fluid as the media landscape itself, demanding vigilance from viewers who want to catch these works before they disappear from their preferred services. (source: industry reports and official announcements)