In a major milestone for one of the world’s most iconic characters, Warner Bros. Pictures has officially set a theatrical release date for the first-ever Hello Kitty feature film. The animated movie, produced in collaboration with New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on July 21, 2028.
The announcement came via Warner Bros.’ Instagram on October 29, 2025—coinciding with National Cat Day—with a playful post captioned: “Hello Hollywood #HelloKittyMovie is coming to theaters July 21, 2028!” The film marks Hello Kitty’s big-screen Hollywood debut, as the beloved character and her friends embark on what the studio describes as “a cinematic adventure sure to delight audiences of all ages.”
Directed by Leo Matsuda (Wish Dragon) and Jennifer Coyle, the project has been in development since rights were acquired by New Line in 2019. It was initially described as an animated/live-action hybrid, though recent updates emphasize its animated format under Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. Writers Dana Fox and Lindsey Anderson Beer are penning the script, with production handled by Beau Flynn and executive production by Wendy Jacobson. The film represents Sanrio’s first major partnership with a Hollywood studio for a theatrical feature based on the character.
Hello Kitty, created by designer Yuko Shimizu and introduced by Sanrio in 1974, turns 50 this milestone era having generated an estimated $80 billion in revenue across merchandise, licensing, and global expansions—placing her alongside juggernauts like Mickey Mouse and Pokémon. Despite being a half-century-old icon, Hello Kitty remains strikingly contemporary and relevant in today’s cultural landscape.
Her timeless appeal stems from the simplicity of her design: a mouthless face that allows fans to project their own emotions onto her, embodying the Japanese concept of kawaii (cuteness) while offering emotional versatility. This “blank canvas” quality has enabled endless reinvention—from high-fashion collaborations with brands like Uniqlo, Adidas, and luxury houses, to pop culture crossovers with artists like Avril Lavigne and appearances in modern media.
In recent years, Sanrio has revitalized the brand through strategic modernization: retro-inspired collections nodding to her 1970s origins, immersive experiences like themed cafes, amusement parks, and even a maternity hospital in Taiwan. The character’s adaptability shines in collaborations that blend nostalgia with contemporary trends, such as streetwear, beauty products, and social media virality. Hello Kitty’s global fandom spans generations—Gen Z embraces her ironic cuteness and collectible appeal, while millennials and older fans connect through nostalgia—proving that kawaii culture has evolved into a universal language of comfort, self-expression, and joy.
The upcoming film arrives at a perfect moment, capitalizing on the character’s enduring popularity and the success of family-friendly animated features. With no plot details or voice cast announced yet, anticipation is building for what could be a fresh take on friendship, adventure, and that signature Hello Kitty charm.
As Hello Kitty steps onto the silver screen for the first time in Hollywood, her journey from a simple coin purse design to a global multimedia empire continues to inspire. July 21, 2028, marks not just a movie release, but a celebration of a cultural phenomenon that refuses to age. Fans everywhere can start counting down—because Hello Kitty is ready for her close-up.
