Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema have appointed David Derrick Jr. and John Aoshima to direct a new Hello Kitty theatrical film.
The project represents a major push to transition the globally recognized Sanrio character from merchandise and short-form media into a full-scale cinematic experience. By leveraging the resources of two major U.S. studios, the film aims to capitalize on the enduring international appeal of the brand.
The feature film is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on July 21, 2028 [1]. This timeline allows the production teams to develop the visual style and narrative required for a big-screen debut. The project is being produced through a collaboration between New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation [2].
David Derrick Jr. and John Aoshima will oversee the creative direction of the adaptation [2]. While specific plot details have not been released, the primary goal of the production is to bring the popular Sanrio character to the big screen for a global audience [3].
The 2028 release date [1] marks a strategic commitment by Warner Bros. to expand its animation portfolio with established intellectual properties. The film will be the first major theatrical feature centered on the character, marking a shift in how Sanrio manages its primary mascot's presence in the film industry [2].
“The project represents a major push to transition the globally recognized Sanrio character into a full-scale cinematic experience.”
The partnership between Sanrio and Warner Bros. signals a shift toward high-budget, theatrical storytelling for characters that have historically relied on consumer products and licensing. By securing a release date for 2028, the studios are treating the property as a tentpole franchise asset rather than a niche project, aiming to translate brand loyalty into box-office revenue.
