Hello Kitty arrives in cinemas in 2028 with directors of animated experience

New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation have announced David Derrick Jr. and John Aoshima as directors of the first theatrical Hello Kitty film. Ramsey Naito and Beau Flynn join as producers. The worldwide release is set for July 21, 2028, marking the famous kitty's debut on the big screen with a family-friendly adventure.

Cinematic wide shot of Hello Kitty holding a glowing film clapperboard, standing on a red carpet before a giant movie screen, a digital animation timeline and 3D character rigging tools floating in mid-air beside her, a stylized clapperboard with film reels and a director’s chair featuring a tiny camera lens, while a glowing 2028 date appears as neon light streaks across the background, soft golden lighting, photorealistic render, ultra-detailed fur and fabric textures, dramatic shadows, action showing the moment of directorial announcement, clean composition, no text, no numbers

David Derrick Jr. and John Aoshima at the helm of the project 🎬

Derrick Jr. brings his experience as co-director of Moana and screenwriter of Raya and the Last Dragon, while Aoshima has directed episodes of Gravity Falls and Star vs. The Forces of Evil. The production will combine digital animation with narrative techniques typical of family cinema. Naito, producer of The Mitchells vs. the Machines, will oversee creative development alongside Flynn, known for projects like San Andreas. The studio aims to balance Sanrio's classic visual style with a modern staging.

The mouthless kitty who now will have plenty to say 😼

Hello Kitty, famous for having no mouth, will star in her first theatrical film in Hollywood. Ironies of fate: a character who never speaks will have to carry a script, dialogue, and probably catchy songs. Fans hope they don't give her a rap or a Marvel-style self-discovery moment. At least the directors know animation, so maybe we'll see her run, jump, and make gestures without needing to open her mouth.