New Directors Announced for 'Hello Kitty' Animated Feature Film

by : John Lasseter
The highly anticipated 'Hello Kitty' animated feature film is taking shape, with new creative leadership stepping in to bring the iconic character to the big screen. This production marks a significant milestone for the beloved Sanrio franchise, expanding its reach into Hollywood cinema with a scheduled theatrical release in 2028.

'Hello Kitty' Cinematic Journey: A New Era Begins

Creative Leadership for the 'Hello Kitty' Film

New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation have officially named David Derrick Jr. and John Aoshima as the co-directors for the upcoming 'Hello Kitty' animated movie. Derrick Jr. is known for his work on 'Moana 2', while Aoshima comes with experience from 'Ultraman: Rising'. This announcement highlights a fresh vision for the film, following previous directorial discussions.

The Production Team and Script Evolution

Beau Flynn, recognized for his contributions to 'Moana' and 'Red Notice', is set to produce the 'Hello Kitty' film, joined by Ramsey Naito of 'The Boss Baby' fame. While Leo Matsuda was initially attached to direct, the project's creative direction has evolved. The screenplay is currently being penned by Jeff Chan, building upon earlier drafts from a diverse group of writers including Dana Fox and Katie Dippold, ensuring a rich narrative foundation for the character's cinematic debut.

Hello Kitty's Grand Entrance to Hollywood

The 'Hello Kitty' film signifies the character's first major Hollywood theatrical venture. Shelby Thomas is overseeing the project for FlynnPictureCo, the company also behind the live-action 'Moana'. This move is a testament to the enduring global appeal of Hello Kitty and Sanrio's broader character universe, including Gudetama and My Melody.

A Legacy of Friendship and Global Appeal

Created by Yuko Shimizu in 1974, Hello Kitty, an anthropomorphized white cat with a red bow, has grown into a worldwide phenomenon through animated series and extensive merchandise. Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji expressed his enthusiasm for the character's Hollywood debut back in 2019, emphasizing Hello Kitty's role as a symbol of friendship and hoping the film will further spread this message globally.

Introducing the Visionary Directors

David Derrick Jr.'s directorial debut follows a successful career as a story artist on major animated features like 'Moana', 'Raya and the Last Dragon', and 'Encanto'. John Aoshima, a seasoned professional in television and feature animation, brings his co-directing experience from Netflix's 'Ultraman: Rising', along with credits from popular titles such as 'Gravity Falls' and 'Kubo and the Two Strings', to the 'Hello Kitty' project. Their combined expertise is expected to infuse the film with creative energy and charm.

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