Warner Bros. has officially announced the release date for its long-awaited “Hello Kitty” movie, set to hit theatres on July 21, 2028. The animated feature will be directed by Leo Matsuda and produced by Beau Flynn under Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema.
The film, which has been in development for nearly a decade, will finally bring the globally beloved Sanrio character to the big screen. The script is written by Dana Fox, known for her work on Wicked, while Shelby Thomas will oversee the project for Flynn Picture Company.
Although specific plot details remain undisclosed, excitement is already building among fans. Warner Bros. made the announcement on Instagram with the caption:
> “Hello Hollywood! #HelloKittyMovie is coming to theaters July 21, 2028.”
Originally created in 1974 by Yuko Shimizu for the Japanese company Sanrio, Hello Kitty (real name Kitty White) became an international icon of cuteness, friendship, and positivity. The character, known for her red bow and cheerful personality, has inspired countless animated series, toys, and fashion collaborations worldwide.
In a previous statement, Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji expressed his excitement about the Hollywood debut, saying,
> “Hello Kitty has long been a symbol of friendship, and we hope this film will grow that circle of friendship around the world.”
This marks the first time Sanrio has officially licensed its popular characters—including Hello Kitty, My Melody, Gudetama, and Little Twin Stars—to a major Hollywood studio.
Meanwhile, FlynnPictureCo. is also in post-production for Disney’s live-action “Moana”, starring Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia, which is set to release on July 10, 2026.
The upcoming Hello Kitty movie promises to combine Japanese charm with Hollywood animation magic, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans across generations.
