Even though we all knew it was coming, this is still hard to hear: According to Deadline, legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki has officially announced his plans to retire after the press tour for his most recent film, The Wind Rises, comes to a close. Miyazaki had previously released the news through his production company, Studio Ghibli.
From Deadline:
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Maintained involvement with Studio Ghibli is something, but this is still some of the saddest news to ever end a Friday afternoon with. Miyazaki, of course, produced some of the most iconic animated films to ever grace modern cinema: Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Ponyo, and Howl's Moving Castle, just to name a few.
The Wind Rises will hit theaters nationwide on November 8th.
[via Deadline]