‘Hello Kitty‘ Movie Set for July 21, 2028 Release
Warner Bros. has dated a feature film based on the globally recognized character Hello Kitty for July 21, 2028. The announcement marks the Hollywood theatrical debut for the iconic feline and her friends, signaling a major expansion of the Sanrio-owned brand into live-action cinema.
First announced by New Line in 2019, the project represents the first time sanrio has licensed film rights to Hello Kitty, who debuted in Japan in 1974 and quickly became a merchandising phenomenon.The film’s release comes as Sanrio continues to broaden its reach, with existing Hello Kitty theme parks, cafés, video games, and high-end collaborations.
leo Matsuda will direct the English-language feature, with Dana Fox (“Wicked”) having penned the most recent script draft. Matsuda previously directed the short “Inner Workings” and contributed as a story artist to ”Zootopia” and “Wreck-it Ralph.” Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. spearheaded the nearly decade-long effort to secure rights from Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji, with Shelby Thomas overseeing for the production company.
It remains unknown whether Hello Kitty, traditionally depicted without a mouth, will speak in the film. Sanrio has also licensed film rights to other characters like Gudetama, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars, potentially opening the door for shared appearances.
Matsuda is represented by Verve and manager Stacey Lubliner’s SEL media company.
