Few films in animation history have achieved the enduring legacy of Princess Mononoke. Hayao Miyazaki’s 1997 masterpiece remains one of Studio Ghibli’s most visually stunning and thematically profound works, exploring the delicate balance between humanity and nature. Now, with its 4K IMAX rerelease nearly three decades later, both longtime fans and newcomers have the chance to experience its world anew, and learn a surprising secret about its creation that changes everything.
During a recent IMAX premiere event in Tokyo, the original cast and Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki reunited to celebrate the film’s return to theaters, according to Oricon News. But among the nostalgic reflections and technical praise came a revelation that caught everyone off guard. Suzuki joked that Yuriko Ishida, the voice of San, the fierce wolf princess, was not cast for her performance skills, but because she was “Miyazaki’s type.” It was a playful comment, but one that sheds unexpectedly bad light on the famously principled director.
Suzuki’s offhand remark drew laughter from the audience, but the internet’s reaction was far more complicated. Miyazaki has long been celebrated for his nuanced portrayals of women, from Nausicaä to Chihiro, so hearing that he may have cast one of his most iconic heroines based on personal preference rather than pure artistry seems, at first glance, uncharacteristic and problematic.Interestingly, Ishida herself recalled being shocked when she received the offer to join Princess Mononoke. She never imagined she would be chosen, and her memories of working under Miyazaki’s famously exacting direction show that her casting was hardly a matter of favoritism, despite the bad joke. His perfectionism of asking her to deliver a line as if teasing someone about “not wearing pants” was also not a great look for both Miyazaki and the Studio Ghibli brand.
Rediscovering Princess Mononoke in a New Light
What makes this revelation so interesting is how it reframes fans’ perception of Princess Mononoke itself. San has always been one of Miyazaki’s most complex characters, who is fierce, wounded, and deeply human despite her animalistic upbringing. Knowing her voice actor’s origin story adds a layer of irony to her role, because she was chosen, at least jokingly, through a moment of personal “inspiration” rather than methodical planning.
Ultimately, Suzuki’s humorous confession does not tarnish Princess Mononoke’s legacy, but it does deepen it. It reminds audiences that even the most disciplined creators are guided by instinct and emotion. In the end, possibly that is why the film still feels alive after nearly 30 years, because it was born not only of artistic precision, but of very human impulses, imperfections and all.
Release Date
July 12, 1997
Runtime
133 Minutes
