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After years of anticipation and development, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema have officially announced that the long-awaited Hello Kitty feature film will hit theaters on July 21, 2028. The beloved global icon, who has been a staple of pop culture for nearly five decades, is finally getting her Hollywood moment.
The studio confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, writing, “Hello Hollywood 🎀🌴🎬 #HelloKittyMovie is coming to theaters July 21, 2028!” In an official statement, Warner Bros. Added, “The film marks Hello Kitty’s Hollywood theatrical debut as Hello Kitty and her friends embark on a cinematic adventure sure to delight audiences of all ages.”
The Hello Kitty movie has been in the works for several years, with production finally gaining momentum under the direction of Leo Matsuda, known for his work on Disney’s Zootopia and Wreck-It Ralph. Matsuda also directed the acclaimed animated short Inner Workings. The most recent draft of the screenplay was written by Dana Fox, whose previous credits include Wicked and Cruella.
Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. Serves as producer after spending nearly a decade working closely with Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji to secure the rights to the character. Shelby Thomas will oversee the project for FlynnPictureCo. The collaboration between the two studios marks a milestone for Sanrio, as this is the first time the company has licensed film rights for Hello Kitty to a major Hollywood studio.
Hello Kitty, whose full name is Kitty White, was first introduced in Japan by Sanrio in 1974. The adorable, red-bowed feline quickly became a global phenomenon, evolving into a multibillion-dollar merchandising empire that spans toys, clothing, accessories, and even themed attractions. Over the decades, Hello Kitty has appeared on thousands of products and inspired themed cafés, a full-fledged Hello Kitty theme park in Japan, and countless pop culture collaborations.
While plot details remain under wraps, one of the biggest questions surrounding the film is whether Hello Kitty will speak. Traditionally, the character has been portrayed as silent, with Sanrio maintaining that her lack of a mouth allows fans to project their own emotions onto her. The film may explore this creative choice in new ways.
Fans can also expect appearances from other beloved Sanrio characters, including Dear Daniel, My Melody, Little Twin Stars, and possibly the fan-favorite lazy egg Gudetama, who may share screen time with Hello Kitty in what could be an expansive Sanrio cinematic universe.
The Hello Kitty movie represents a major leap for the globally adored character and promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling designed to charm both lifelong fans and a new generation. With Warner Bros. And New Line at the helm, the project is poised to bring Sanrio’s whimsical world to life on the big screen like never before.
