Hello Kitty is over 40 years old, and more popular than ever. She’s had cartoon series, toys, lunch boxes, a cafe, and even theme park appearances. Now, Hello Kitty is getting her own movie.
“I am extremely pleased that Hello Kitty and other popular Sanrio characters will be making their Hollywood debut. Hello Kitty has long been a symbol of friendship and we hope this film will only serve to grow that circle of friendship around the world,” said Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji.
The new film will come from New Line Cinemas, and will be the first family friendly film from New Line in over ten years. It will be produced by Beau Flynn, with Wendy Jacobson Executive Producing.
“With the positive and family-oriented values that Hello Kitty and Sanrio embody, there has never been a better time than now to share her message with the world!” says Beau Flynn.
“We are thrilled to partner with Sanrio and FlynnPictureCo. on developing a film based on this treasured icon. It’s a rare privilege to have the opportunity to explore the possibilities of such timeless IP,” added New Line’s Richard Brener and Carolyn Blackwood.
Hello Kitty first appeared in 1974 and was created by Yuko Shimizu, and made her way to the United States in 1976. She has spurred a huge empire that has grossed over $50 billion dollars as of 2018.
There’s no word on whether or not the new film will be live action or animated, but the studio isn’t ruling out either. There’s also no word on when the film will hit theaters, or who will be writing or directing.
While Hello Kitty hasn’t had a major motion picture yet, the character has appeared at Universal theme parks all over the world, including at Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood where the character not only meets guests, but also has her own store.
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