David Derrick Jr. and John Aoshima will direct the upcoming Hello Kitty feature film [1].
The appointment marks a significant step forward for the Sanrio franchise, which has spent several years in development before securing a creative team to bring the character to the big screen [1, 3].
New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation are producing the project [2, 5]. The directing duo brings a mix of high-profile animation experience to the production. Derrick Jr. is known for his work on "Moana 2," while Aoshima previously directed "Ultraman: Rising" [1, 3].
Ramsey Naito, the former president of Paramount Animation, and Beau Flynn are attached as producers [1, 2]. Additionally, Shelby Thomas will oversee the project for FlynnPictureCo [1].
The film is currently slated for a theatrical release in 2028 [4]. While specific plot details have not been disclosed, the attachment of these directors suggests a focus on polished, modern animation styles suited for a global audience [1, 3].
This development follows a trend of legacy Japanese characters transitioning into major Western studio productions. By partnering with New Line and Warner Bros., Sanrio is positioning the character for a wide international theatrical reach [2, 5].
“The Hello Kitty film is slated for a 2028 theatrical release.”
The selection of directors with experience in both Disney-adjacent hits and stylized action animation indicates that Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema are targeting a broad, multi-generational demographic. By securing established producers like Ramsey Naito, the studio is applying a standard Hollywood blockbuster framework to a character that has historically relied on merchandise and short-form content, signaling an attempt to turn the IP into a cinematic anchor.
