Hello Kitty Movie Gets Official July 2028 Release Date!

Get ready, Sanrio fans! The iconic Hello Kitty is officially making her grand cinematic debut with a release date locked in for July 21, 2028, thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema.

TL;DR: Here's the Quick Scoop on the Hello Kitty Movie

The first Hollywood Hello Kitty feature film is hitting theaters on July 21, 2028.
Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema are co-producing this long-awaited project.
Details are still under wraps, but expect a "cinematic adventure" for all ages, with director Leo Matsuda and screenwriter Dana Fox on board.

Hello Hollywood: Hello Kitty Sets Her Theatrical Debut for Summer 2028

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The wait is finally over for fans of the world’s most famous mouthless feline! After years of anticipation and development, our beloved Hello Kitty is officially sashaying onto the big screen. Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema have stamped a release date on her first Hollywood feature film: mark your calendars for July 21, 2028!

The exciting news, which several entertainment outlets like Deadline, Variety, and ComicBook.com reported, was initially unveiled via an Instagram post from the studio, proclaiming, "Hello Hollywood #HelloKittyMovie is coming to theaters July 21, 2028!" It's a massive moment for the global pop culture icon, who’s been charming hearts since 1974.

A Decade-Long Journey to Bring Hello Kitty to the Silver Screen

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This isn't just a spontaneous announcement; the journey to get Hello Kitty into a major Hollywood movie has been quite the marathon. New Line Cinema first acquired the film rights back in 2019, but the groundwork started much earlier. Producer Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. reportedly spent nearly a decade diligently courting Sanrio Founder Shintaro Tsuji to secure those coveted film rights. This marks the very first time Sanrio has granted film rights to its core character, underscoring the significance and scale of this production.

The project was initially announced in March 2021 by Deadline's Mike Fleming Jr., then billed as an animated/live-action hybrid. While current specifics on the format are still a bit hazy—some sources still hint at the hybrid, others just call it an "animated film"—what’s clear is that Warner Bros. is ready to unleash Kitty White and her friends in a big way.

Meet the Talented Team Steering Hello Kitty's Cinematic Adventure

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Bringing such a beloved and globally recognized character to life requires a stellar creative team, and Warner Bros. has assembled some impressive names. The director stepping into this exciting role is Leo Matsuda. You might recognize his work from animated hits like Disney's short film "Inner Workings," which he directed, or his contributions as a story artist on fan-favorites such as "Zootopia," "Wreck-It Ralph," and "Big Hero 6." His experience with vibrant, imaginative storytelling makes him a perfect fit for Hello Kitty's universe.

Handling the screenplay is Dana Fox, known for her work on "Wicked," "Cruella," and "How To Be Single." Her involvement, especially with the upcoming musical "Wicked: For Good," has even sparked some playful speculation among fans: could Hello Kitty's movie be a musical too? It’s an interesting thought, especially given Kitty's famous lack of a mouth! Beau Flynn is producing the film through his FlynnPictureCo., with Shelby Thomas overseeing the project for the company. This powerhouse team suggests we're in for a high-quality, memorable experience.

What to Expect from Hello Kitty's Big Hollywood Debut

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While the exact plot details are, fittingly, "under wraps," the studio has promised a "cinematic adventure sure to delight audiences of all ages." That's classic Hello Kitty, right there – universal appeal and wholesome fun. One of the biggest questions on everyone's mind is whether Hello Kitty, whose design famously lacks a mouth, will actually speak in the movie. Historically, she's been silent in her various animated series, letting her expressions and actions do the talking. It'll be interesting to see if Hollywood takes a different approach!

And it won't just be Kitty flying solo. Sanrio has also licensed film rights for other popular characters from her universe. This means we could see fan favorites like Gudetama (the cracked egg), My Melody (the rabbit), Little Twin Stars, and even her superhero alter ego, Ichigoman, join the fun. Imagine the possibilities! It’s also worth remembering a fun fact that some fans might not know: Hello Kitty isn't actually a cat! As Sanrio has clarified in the past, she's a "cartoon character," "a little girl," and "a friend," always depicted walking on two legs, never on all fours.

Hello Kitty's Unparalleled Global Impact and Enduring Legacy

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Created by Japanese designer Yuko Shimizu in 1974, Hello Kitty, or Kitty White as she's formally known, quickly transcended her origins as a merchandise character on a vinyl coin purse. She's evolved into a global phenomenon, becoming one of Japan's most significant cultural exports. Her brand generates astounding revenue, with her overall global sales reportedly reaching nearly $85 billion USD worldwide!

Hello Kitty's empire includes everything from dedicated theme parks (like Puroland in Japan) and themed cafés to countless video games, animated series, comics, and high-end fashion collaborations. Her unique appeal lies in her versatility, allowing her to cross over into unexpected places—she's teamed up with everyone from "Mobile Suit Gundam" and "Bleach" to the horror manga icon "Junji Ito's Tomie." This upcoming film marks her first North American feature, a significant milestone that promises to introduce her charm to an even wider audience.

Hello Kitty Joins Warner Bros.' Exciting Animated Lineup

Warner Bros. has seen tremendous success in recent years by bringing beloved brands to the big screen, with hits like "Barbie" and the upcoming "Minecraft Movie" defying expectations. The "Hello Kitty" movie fits perfectly into this strategy, capitalizing on an immensely popular and recognizable intellectual property with a built-in, multi-generational fanbase.

This film is a key addition to Warner Bros.' growing animation slate, which also includes an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ "The Cat in the Hat" in November 2026, "Oh the Places You’ll Go!" from "Wicked" director Jon M. Chu, the DC film "Dynamic Duo," and the YA adaptation "The Lunar Chronicles," all set for release in 2028. It's clear that Warner Bros. is investing heavily in animated blockbusters, and Hello Kitty is poised to be one of their shining stars. Her charm, combined with a seasoned creative team and the backing of a major studio, sets the stage for what could be a truly magical cinematic event.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Hello Kitty Movie

When is the Hello Kitty movie officially coming out?

The "Hello Kitty" movie is scheduled for theatrical release on July 21, 2028.

Which studios are making the Hello Kitty movie?

The film is a co-production between Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema.

Will Hello Kitty speak in her upcoming movie?

It's not yet known whether Hello Kitty will speak in the film. Historically, her character is mouthless and has been silent in previous animated appearances.

Will other Sanrio characters appear alongside Hello Kitty?

Yes! Sanrio has licensed rights for other characters like Gudetama, My Melody, Little Twin Stars, and Ichigoman, making it likely they will appear in the movie.

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