Spoiler Alert: The first trailer for the much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke has dropped, and it’s as breathtaking as fans hoped!
Zendaya stars as San, the fierce and enigmatic Princess Mononoke, raised by wolves and fiercely protective of the forest. From the opening shot, the trailer captures the epic struggle between industrial expansion and the natural world. The visuals are a stunning mix of lush green landscapes, terrifying cursed beasts, and the haunting beauty of the Spirit of the Forest.
The trailer teases the emotional bond between San and Ashitaka (played by rising star Timothée Chalamet), who tries to broker peace between humans and nature. Zendaya’s portrayal of San is raw, powerful, and utterly captivating, as she delivers lines like:
“If you destroy the forest, I will destroy you.”
The fiery battle scenes between San, the wolf clan, and Lady Eboshi’s iron-wielding warriors hint at a visually epic and emotionally charged movie. Fans also caught glimpses of iconic scenes, like San feeding her wolf mother, the eerie kodama spirits scattering across the forest, and Ashitaka’s cursed arm pulsing with rage.
But perhaps the biggest revelation? The final seconds of the trailer show Zendaya’s San standing before the majestic Forest Spirit, tears streaming as she whispers: “Will you forgive us?” Could this mean a deeper exploration of humanity’s redemption in this adaptation?
Fans are already buzzing about Zendaya’s transformation into San, Timothée’s quiet strength as Ashitaka, and director Greta Gerwig’s bold vision for this iconic tale.
What do you think of Zendaya’s take on the wolf princess? Will Princess Mononoke (2026) live up to the beloved anime classic?
