Mark your calendars for July 21, 2028 — that’s when the world’s most famous feline will make her long-awaited theatrical debut. New Line Cinema and Warner Bros Pictures Animation recently announced the release date for their Hello Kitty film through an Instagram reveal that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
This project has been years in the making. Back in March 2021, Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr. broke the exclusive news that a Hello Kitty movie was officially in development, conceived as a unique blend of animation and live-action elements. The groundwork was laid even earlier, with New Line securing the film rights to the globally recognized character back in 2019.
While specific plot details remain tightly under wraps, what we do know is equally intriguing.
A decade-long journey to secure the rights
Behind the scenes, producer Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. invested nearly ten years in persistent negotiations with Sanrio’s founder, Shintaro Tsuji, to make this film a reality. His patience paid off in a historic deal — this represents the very first time Sanrio has ever authorized film rights for its cherished character. Shelby Thomas has been tapped to provide oversight for FlynnPictureCo. on the project.
FlynnPictureCo. brings impressive credentials to the table, currently wrapping up post-production on Disney’s live-action Moana adaptation. That film, helmed by director Thomas Kail and featuring Dwayne Johnson alongside rising star Catherine Laga’aia, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 10.
The countdown to Hello Kitty’s cinematic adventure has officially begun.