News
Disney's plans for Laputa
posted on
Disney press relations liason Martin Blythe tells Anime News Network several new developments in the English dub of Hayao Miyazaki's 1986 film Castle in the Sky (AKA: Laputa) currently being worked on.
First and foremost, Blythe revealed the English cast, to inhibit internet rumor. Those in the final cast include James Van Der Beek (Dawson's Creek, Varsity Blues), Anna Paquin (Amistad, She's All That, Oscar winner - The Piano), Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Cloris Leachman (Beavis & Butthead Do America, The Beverly Hillbillies), and Mandy Patinkin (The Princess Bride, Chicago Hope). He did not comment on who was playing what part.
Note: So you don't have to research all of these, my best guesses are: James Van Der Beek for Pazu, Anna Paquin for Sheeta (Remember, she is the second-youngest Oscar winner in history for The Piano in 1994), Cloris Leachman for Dola, since she's currently famous for playing old ladies. No idea on everyone else... -ED.
The name "Laputa" has been removed from the title due to its meaning in Spanish (diseased whore), but it is currently unknown whether it will still be mentioned in the film or avoided altogether. It is also unknown whether Sheeta's name will be altered due to its resemblance to an English cuss word. The dubbed version will be directed by Jack Fletcher, best known for his work in Kiki's Delivery Service (Disney dub) as well as all dubbed products from Urban Vision.
Most worrisome to fans will be plans for an all-new musical score. The original, which was an all electronic score by Jo Hisaishi in 1986, was highly experimental, and is now thought to sound dated. The new score will also be by Hisaishi, and it is currently unknown to what extent the original will be followed in this new version. It is currently entering recording stage.
"I have no idea when or how we'll release it but we will probably consider a limited theatrical run first," Blythe told ANN. "Definitely before the end of the year but we're not rushing things. The movie has to be perfect, like Kiki was."
