Hello Kitty Movie Gets Official 2028 Release Date!

Get ready, Sanrio fans! The long-awaited Hello Kitty movie now has a theatrical release date, and it's happening sooner than you think (well, relatively).

TL;DR

• Hello Kitty's first major Hollywood movie is officially set to hit theaters on July 21, 2028.
• Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema are bringing the iconic character to life in an animated film.
• The movie boasts a talented team, with Leo Matsuda directing and Dana Fox (known for "Wicked") writing the script.

Get Ready to Say 'Hello' to Hollywood's Newest Star!

It's official, folks! After years of whispers and anticipation, our favorite mouthless feline (who isn't actually a cat, more on that later!) is finally making her big screen debut. Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema have announced that the Hello Kitty Movie will arrive in theaters on July 21, 2028. Get your calendars out and mark that date, because this is a pretty big deal!

The news broke in true Hollywood style, with Warner Bros. taking to Instagram to share the exciting update. Their post featured the iconic Sanrio character's signature red bow perched atop the legendary WB studio water tower, accompanied by the caption: "Hello Hollywood #HelloKittyMovie is coming to theaters July 21, 2028!" It's a fun nod that promises a fresh, cinematic adventure for Kitty White and her friends.

Behind the Bow: Who's Bringing Kitty White to Life?

Bringing a global icon like Hello Kitty to the big screen requires a top-notch team, and Warner Bros. seems to have assembled just that. Here’s a look at some of the key players involved:

• Director: Leo Matsuda — This talented Japanese-Brazilian director, animator, and screenwriter is at the helm. You might know his work from the charming Disney short film Inner Workings, and he's also contributed as a story artist on beloved movies like Disney's Zootopia and Wreck-It Ralph, as well as DreamWorks Animation's The Bad Guys. His background suggests we can expect a visually rich and story-driven film.
• Screenwriter: Dana Fox — Penning the script is Dana Fox, a name you've probably heard if you're excited for the upcoming Wicked movies. Fox wrote the screenplay for both Wicked and Wicked For Good, which definitely sparks some curiosity about the tone and potential musical elements of the Hello Kitty film.
• Producers: Beau Flynn & Shelby Thomas — Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. is producing this monumental project. He reportedly spent nearly a decade working to secure the film rights from Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji, showcasing true dedication to this character. Shelby Thomas will oversee the project for FlynnPictureCo.

Currently, FlynnPictureCo. is also busy in post-production on Disney's live-action Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson and newcomer Catherine Laga'aia, which is set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026. So, they definitely have experience with big, beloved franchises!

A Global Icon's Journey to the Big Screen

Hello Kitty isn't just any character; she's a cultural phenomenon. Sanrio first introduced her in Japan back in 1974, and she quickly evolved into a merchandising powerhouse. Created by Yuko Shimizu, Hello Kitty (whose full name is Kitty White) is described as a British anthropomorphized white cat who always sports a red bow. Fun fact: Sanrio themselves have stated she's not actually a cat, but a little girl, a friend, who walks and sits like a two-legged creature!

Her adorable, simple design has graced thousands of products, from stationery and toys to apparel, home decor, and even themed cafes and a dedicated theme park in Japan. She accounts for a staggering 76% of Sanrio's gross profits and has fans across generations and international borders. It's no wonder that plans for a major film adaptation have been brewing for over a decade, with New Line and FlynnPictureCo. first announcing an English-language feature in 2019.

This film also marks a significant milestone: it's the first time Hello Kitty and other popular Sanrio characters like Gudetama, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars have been licensed to a major film studio like Warner Bros. This opens up a world of possibilities for what we might see on screen!

"I am extremely pleased that Hello Kitty and other popular Sanrio characters will be making their Hollywood debut. Hello Kitty has long been a symbol of friendship and we hope this film will only serve to grow that circle of friendship around the world."

— Shintaro Tsuji, Sanrio founder (2019)

Will Hello Kitty Finally Speak in Her Debut Film?

One of the most defining characteristics of Hello Kitty is her lack of a mouth. This has always been a point of curiosity and charm for fans. She's been completely silent in her various animated series to date, leaving many to wonder: will she finally speak in her Hollywood debut?

The studio hasn't revealed any plot details yet, so whether Kitty White will find her voice remains a mystery. However, with a screenwriter known for musical blockbusters like Wicked, it's certainly an interesting question. Regardless, Warner Bros. promises a "cinematic adventure sure to delight audiences of all ages."

Given that Sanrio also licensed the rights to other beloved characters, it wouldn't be surprising to see them join Hello Kitty in her big screen escapade. Imagine Gudetama's existential musings or My Melody's cheerful antics alongside Kitty! It definitely sounds like a recipe for a delightful family film.

What Else You Need to Know About This Anticipated Movie

While 2028 feels a long way off, the official release date gives us something concrete to look forward to. The fact that it's an animated film, as confirmed by current reports (despite some earlier mentions of a hybrid format in 2021), means we can expect a vibrant, imaginative world that perfectly suits Sanrio's aesthetic.

The journey to get this movie made has been a long one, reflecting the meticulous care Sanrio takes with its beloved characters. This is a property that just celebrated its 50th anniversary, having debuted on a humble vinyl coin pouch back on November 1, 1974. Over five decades, she's grown into a powerful symbol, even serving as a UNICEF Children's Ambassador for both the United States and Japan, and supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

So, get ready to embrace the cuteness, the friendship, and the global legacy of Hello Kitty as she finally steps into the Hollywood spotlight. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for more updates, including voice cast announcements and potential plot teasers!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Hello Kitty Movie

When is the Hello Kitty movie coming out?

The Hello Kitty movie is set to be released in theaters on July 21, 2028.

Who is directing the Hello Kitty movie?

The movie is being directed by Leo Matsuda, known for his work as a story artist on films like Zootopia and Wreck-It Ralph, and for directing the short film Inner Workings.

Will other Sanrio characters appear in the Hello Kitty film?

While specific character appearances haven't been confirmed, the licensing deal includes other popular Sanrio characters such as Gudetama, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars. It's highly anticipated that they will appear alongside Hello Kitty in the film.

Is Hello Kitty going to talk in the movie?

Plot details are currently under wraps, and Hello Kitty has historically been silent. It's not yet known whether she will speak in her Hollywood movie debut.