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Hello Kitty Goes Big-Screen — Release Date Confirmed
Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema have officially set the release date for the first Hollywood feature starring the iconic Japanese character Hello Kitty: July 21, 2028. The announcement ends years of speculation and marks a major moment for Sanrio’s global brand, which has expanded from stationery and cafes to theme parks and now — a full-length animated film.
What We Know So Far
The project has been in motion since New Line purchased film rights from Sanrio in 2019, a notable step as it represented Sanrio’s first major licensing of one of its characters for a Hollywood production. Director Leo Matsuda, known for the animated short Inner Workings at Disney, will steer the film, while Dina Fox (screenwriter on Wicked) has been tapped to write the screenplay. Producer Bo Flynn of FlynnPictureCo, who spent years negotiating the rights, will shepherd the production alongside Shelby Thomas.
This is being billed as a family-friendly cinematic adventure that reunites Hello Kitty with her friends for an original story designed to delight multiple generations.
How This Fits Industry Trends
Hollywood has leaned heavily on well-known IP in recent years — think Sonic, Detective Pikachu, and other adaptations that translate toys and game properties into global box-office plays. Hello Kitty’s entry follows that trend but also presents a softer challenge: balancing the character’s low-drama, kawaii aesthetic with the spectacle expected of summer animated releases.
Behind the Scenes & Fan Notes
Sanrio has a roster of recognizable characters — My Melody, Gudetama, and Little Twin Stars among them — and fans have already speculated about cameos. Trivia: New Line’s rights acquisition in 2019 was the first time Sanrio allowed one of its characters to be adapted this way, underscoring the trust and creative negotiation that went into the project.
Comparisons to recent adaptations matter: while Sonic and Detective Pikachu leaned on snappy dialogue and world-building for older kids and adults, Hello Kitty’s film will likely emphasize charm, design, and family-oriented themes similar to classic studio animations rather than high-octane action.
There are questions, too: will the film preserve Hello Kitty’s gentle, non-controversial image while making room for a theatrical storyline? Early talent announcements and creative leads suggest a careful approach — aiming to honor fans while reaching new audiences.
Whether you’re a long-time Sanrio collector or a curious moviegoer, July 2028 suddenly looks like a summer to watch for an unexpected, pastel-tinted Hollywood debut.
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