New Line Developing ‘Hello Kitty’ Movie

A couple of years ago, the world was knocked back on its heels with the news that Hello Kitty, the classic Sanrio character, is not actually a cat, but a girl in a catsuit. While this shouldn’t be all too surprising given that most things from Japan are delightfully weird, it does make today’s announcement of a Hello Kitty movie a little more curious.

Deadline is reporting that Sanrio is partnering with New Line Cinema and Flynnpictureco to create a film based around the character that has been a staple of pop culture all around the world since it was first created in Japan nearly fifty years ago. News of the film comes with the additional announcement that Sanrio has also granted the film rights to other popular characters including Gudetama, My Melody, Little Twin Stars, and others to be turned into major motion pictures.

Sanrio founder, President and CEO Shintaro Tsuji said, “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.”

We don’t know anything about the film as of yet. It could be animated, CG, live-action/hybrid. We don’t know. I’ve got a feeling that the box office success of Detective Pikachu will probably steer the direction of any Hello Kitty movie. As soon as we know more. We’ll have it for you here! Personally, I just hope they find a way to include Aggretsuko.

Source: Deadline