Hello Kitty movie has been planned since 2019 but only a few details were known since then. At the time, it was revealed that New Line Cinema is teaming up with Sanrio and Flynn Picture Company to produce a live-action/animated hybrid film based on the fictional character.
Now, it looks like Hello Kitty movie found its director. According to a recent report from The Hollywood Reporter, Leo Matsuda and Jennifer Coyle are set to direct the upcoming featured film. The script is penned by Lindsey Beer, whose credits include Chaos Walking and Sierra Burgess Is a Loser.
Matsuda previously worked on the animated department for Zootopia, Big Hero 6, The Simpsons Movie, as well as Wreck-It Ralph movies. In addition, he served as a director and writer for Inner Workings, a short film that debuted before Disney's Moana.
Coyle worked as a storyboard artist on King of the Hill, The Wild Thornberries, and Rocket Power. She's also the showrunner and director of DC Super Hero Girls, helmed 19 episodes of Bob's Burgers and six of The Spectacular Spider-Man. She's currently the supervising producer on HBO Max's Harley Quinn.
At the moment, details about the Hello Kitty movie remain scarce. But, it will, reportedly, mark a milestone for the character. This is the first time that a live-action/animated hybrid film of a Sanrio character was handed to a major studio.
Sanrio founder, president, and CEO Shintaro Tsuji said in a statement that he is "extremely pleased" that the fictional character and other Sanrio characters will be making a debut in Hollywood. He's hoping that Hello Kitty movie will expand the circle of friendship around the world.
The feature film was first announced in March 2019 -- though it was already optioned back in 2015. Shortly after the announcement, Beau Flynn, who is set to produce the movie, said that they're honored President Tsuji entrusted them to bring the character to the big screen globally for the first time.
Flynn added that it's their dream to produce such movies with their long-term partner, Warned Bros., and New Line Cinema. He further said that Hello Kitty and Sanrio embody positive and family-oriented values and they're excited to share this message with the world.
No official release date has been set for Hello Kitty movie as of this writing. The entire cast remains unknown, as well, since filming hasn't started yet. More details will be available once the live-action/animated hybrid kicks off production.
