Kubo and the Two Strings Timeline ( Real )

production_start
2014

Start of Kubo and the Two Strings Production

The animation studio Laika begins development and production on the stop-motion film Kubo and the Two Strings.

premiere
September 2, 2016

Premiere of Kubo and the Two Strings

Kubo and the Two Strings premieres at the Telluride Film Festival, introducing the film to critics and audiences.

theatrical_release
August 19, 2016

Theatrical Release of Kubo and the Two Strings

Kubo and the Two Strings is released in theaters across the United States, bringing the film to a wide audience.

award_nomination
January 24, 2017

Academy Award Nominations for Kubo and the Two Strings

The film receives nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Visual Effects at the 89th Academy Awards.

Kubo and the Two Strings Timeline ( Fictional )

origin
Year 0 AE (After Emergence)

Kubo's Birth and Mother's Protection

Kubo is born to his mother, who protects him from his grandfather, the Moon King, and his aunts by teaching him magic and hiding him from their grasp.

family tragedy
Year 6 AE

Kubo Loses His Father

Kubo's father, a brave samurai, dies in battle protecting Kubo's family from the forces of the Moon Kingdom, leaving Kubo under the care of his mother.

magic development
Year 12 AE

Kubo Begins Storytelling Using Magic

Kubo starts using his magical shamisen and origami to tell stories that captivate the villagers, showcasing his unique powers.

conflict
Year 13 AE

Moon King Dispatches Aunts to Capture Kubo

The Moon King sends his two aunts to find and capture Kubo to bring him back to the Moon Kingdom.

family tragedy
Year 13 AE, shortly after aunts' arrival

Kubo's Mother Sacrifices Herself

Kubo's mother uses her magic to protect him while ultimately sacrificing herself to save Kubo from the Moon King's pursuit.

alliance
Year 13 AE, immediately following mother's death

Kubo Meets Monkey and Beetle

Kubo encounters Monkey, who becomes his protector, and Beetle, who joins their quest to gather Kubo’s magical armor and defeat the Moon King.

quest
Year 13 AE, ongoing

Quest to Find Magical Armor

Kubo, Monkey, and Beetle set out on a journey to retrieve Kubo’s father's shamisen, helmet, and breastplate to defend against the Moon King.

conflict resolution
Year 13 AE, climax

Kubo Faces the Moon King

Kubo confronts the Moon King in a climactic battle that tests his courage and magic to protect his family legacy and the human world.

resolution
Year 14 AE

Kubo Restores Peace and Remembers Loved Ones

After defeating the Moon King, Kubo honors his family’s memory and uses his storytelling to bring hope to his village.