Hello Kitty Movie Gets 2028 Release Date: What We Know

The beloved Sanrio icon, Hello Kitty, is finally making her big Hollywood debut with a confirmed release date in 2028. Get ready to dive into her first-ever animated feature film!

TL;DR: Quick Takes on the Hello Kitty Movie News

Hello Kitty's first animated feature film 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, with director Leo Matsuda and screenwriter Dana Fox on board.
Expect to see Hello Kitty alongside her Sanrio friends like Gudetama, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars in a brand-new cinematic adventure focusing on themes of friendship and connection.

Say "Hello Hollywood!" to Our Favorite Feline Icon

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"Hello Hollywood!" That's the vibe coming from Warner Bros. as they officially dropped the purr-fect news: our favorite feline fashionista, Hello Kitty, is getting her very own movie! After what feels like ages in development, fans can mark their calendars for a brand-new animated adventure hitting the big screen on July 21, 2028.

Yes, you read that right, 2028! It's a bit of a wait, and some fans have already playfully reacted with a "2028??" online, but trust us, this is a huge deal for the globally adored character. Warner Bros. themselves took to Instagram to make the announcement, featuring Hello Kitty's iconic red bow perched atop the legendary WB water tower with the caption, "Hello Hollywood. #HelloKittyMovie is coming to theaters July 21, 2028!" It's a clear signal that they mean business, and they're ready to introduce Kitty White to a whole new generation of moviegoers.

The Long and Winding Road to the Big Screen

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It's been a truly long time coming for Kitty White (yep, that's her full name!). Sanrio, the Japanese company that first introduced Hello Kitty back in 1974, has been eyeing a big-screen adaptation for over a decade. Imagine having such a popular character for nearly 50 years and finally seeing her get her grand Hollywood moment!

News first hinted at a film back in 2015, sparking excitement among the legions of Hello Kitty fans worldwide. Then, four years later in 2019, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed a significant step forward: New Line Cinema and FlynnPictureCo. were officially developing an English-language feature. This was a crucial moment, as it marked the very first time Sanrio had ever licensed film rights for Hello Kitty, and many of her popular pals like Gudetama, My Melody, and the Little Twin Stars, to a major Hollywood studio. It's not just another movie deal; it's a monumental step that brings the wholesome, friendship-focused world of Sanrio into a brand-new cinematic universe, overseen by major players in the film industry.

Meet the Masterminds Behind Hello Kitty's Cinematic Debut

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Bringing such an iconic character to life on the big screen requires a seriously talented crew, and Warner Bros. has assembled quite the team. At the helm, we have Leo Matsuda, who's taking on the director's chair. Matsuda isn't just a newcomer; he's known for directing the charming Disney short Inner Workings and has a stellar background as a story artist on beloved animated hits like Zootopia and Wreck-It Ralph. His experience with vibrant, character-driven animation seems like a perfect fit for Hello Kitty's colorful and expressive world. Matsuda himself shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, "So thrilled to get to work with Hello Kitty and the most incredible team of creatives and artists. Let’s go!!!"

The screenplay is being penned by Dana Fox, who's got a knack for big-name adaptations and lively storytelling. She’s famously worked on the screenplay for the upcoming Wicked movie (and its sequel, Wicked For Good!), which immediately sparks some intriguing questions. Given Fox's experience with musicals and Hello Kitty's famously silent nature (she traditionally doesn’t have a mouth!), could we be getting a musical? Or perhaps a creative workaround where her friends do all the talking, or the story is told through non-verbal cues and expressive animation? Only time will tell, but it's certainly an intriguing thought that has fans buzzing!

Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. is producing the project, a role he's reportedly been working on for nearly a decade, collaborating closely with Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji to secure these precious rights. Shelby Thomas will oversee the project for FlynnPictureCo., ensuring everything stays on track from development to the final cut. Fun fact: FlynnPictureCo. is also busy with Disney's highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Moana, set for release in 2026, so they definitely know a thing or two about bringing beloved characters from other forms of media to dazzling cinematic life.

What Can We Expect From Hello Kitty's Grand Adventure?

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While specific plot details are being kept under wraps for now, which honestly just adds to the mystery and excitement, Warner Bros. has teased that the film will feature Hello Kitty "embark[ing] on a cinematic adventure sure to delight audiences of all ages." Sanrio itself has noted that the film will focus on themes like "thoughtfulness" and "connection," which feels incredibly on-brand for our sweet, bow-wearing friend who has always symbolized friendship and kindness.

And speaking of friends, Hello Kitty definitely won't be alone! This isn't just a solo mission. Sanrio has licensed rights for several other beloved characters, so get ready to potentially see Gudetama (the ever-relatable lazy egg), My Melody (the adorable rabbit), Little Twin Stars (Kiki and Lala), and maybe even Dear Daniel, Ichigoman, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, and Pompompurin joining the fun. Imagine the possibilities and delightful chaos of these diverse personalities interacting on the big screen! It could be a vibrant, star-studded affair for the Sanrio universe, offering plenty of easter eggs and new discoveries for long-time fans.

One key detail noted by Entertainment Tonight is that this will be a fully animated feature film. This sets it apart from many recent "toy-inspired Movies" that have opted for live-action or hybrid formats. A fully animated approach means the filmmakers have boundless creative freedom to capture Hello Kitty's unique aesthetic and bring her world to life in a way that truly honors her origins, free from the constraints of live-action realism.

Hello Kitty: A Global Symbol of Friendship for Generations

Hello Kitty's appeal goes far beyond just cute merchandise. Created by Yuko Shimizu in 1974, she was originally introduced as a British anthropomorphized white cat named Kitty White, distinguished by her signature red bow. From humble beginnings, she's evolved into a truly global cultural phenomenon, becoming a merchandising juggernaut with theme parks (like Japan's Sanrio Puroland), video games, high-end fashion lines, and countless items devoted to her charming and instantly recognizable image. Her universal appeal transcends age, gender, and culture, making her a truly unique icon.

Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji perfectly encapsulated her enduring appeal back in 2019, sharing his excitement about this landmark venture:

"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."

More recently, Sanrio President Tomokuni Tsuji echoed this sentiment, calling the film "a milestone" for Sanrio as they "pioneer a new path in Hollywood." He expressed the heartfelt desire "to bring smiles to many people with this film." It's clear that the core message of friendship, joy, and connection is not just a theme for the movie, but the very essence of this cinematic endeavor, aiming to resonate with audiences across the globe.

Why the Wait? And What This Means for Warner Bros. Animation

Yes, that July 21, 2028, release date feels like a lifetime away! But in the world of high-quality animation, good things often take time. Warner Bros. has a robust and busy animated slate leading up to Hello Kitty's debut. Their upcoming films include Dr. Seuss adaptations like The Cat in the Hat (scheduled for November 2026) and Oh the Places You’ll Go! (also slated for 2028), plus a DC film titled Dynamic Duo and a YA adaptation called The Lunar Chronicles, both of which are also planned for 2028. This packed schedule indicates that Warner Bros. is investing heavily in their animated features, and by placing Hello Kitty within this ambitious slate, they're clearly positioning her as a cornerstone of their future animation plans.

The fact that it's a "fully animated" film, as noted by Entertainment Tonight, also suggests a dedicated and careful production aiming for top-tier visual storytelling, rather than a quicker, potentially less creatively flexible, hybrid approach. The four-year timeline allows for meticulous development, animation, and fine-tuning to ensure Hello Kitty's first Hollywood outing is nothing short of magical. Fan anticipation is already high, with many expressing eager excitement despite the wait, and even playfully "fancasting" other Sanrio characters into the movie. The buzz is real, and it’s only going to grow!

So, while July 21, 2028, might seem far off, the excitement for Hello Kitty's Hollywood debut is already palpable. With a seasoned director, a compelling writer, and a universe full of adorable characters, this film promises to be a heartwarming, thoughtful, and visually delightful experience for new fans and loyal devotees alike. Get ready to say "Hello!" to a whole new chapter for this iconic cat!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the Hello Kitty Movie Answered! When is the Hello Kitty movie coming out in theaters? The animated Hello Kitty movie is officially slated for theatrical release on July 21, 2028. Who is directing and writing the Hello Kitty movie? Leo Matsuda, known for his work on Disney's Inner Workings and Zootopia, is directing. The screenplay is being written by Dana Fox, who also worked on the Wicked film adaptation. Will other Sanrio characters appear in the Hello Kitty movie? Yes! Sanrio has licensed rights for several other popular characters, including Gudetama, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars, so expect to see some familiar faces joining Hello Kitty on her adventure. What kind of movie will it be, and what are the themes? It will be a fully animated feature film. While specific plot details are under wraps, Warner Bros. and Sanrio have indicated it will focus on themes of "thoughtfulness" and "connection," promising a cinematic adventure designed to delight audiences of all ages. Sources