Sanrio recently sold the film rights of their iconic Hello Kitty property to Warner Bros.’ New Line Cinema and Flynn Picture Company, who will be on hand to develop the first English-language feature based on the Hello Kitty franchise. There are no details yet on the project, so nobody knows if it will be live action, animation, or a hybrid. Beau Flynn and Wendy Jacobson are attached to the project as producer and executive producer, respectively, and the studios are currently shopping around for a writer.
The project is a milestone, as it is the first time Sanrio handed over one of its major franchises to a major film studio, since it first appeared on a vinyl coin purse in 1974. Originally designed by cartoonist Yuko Shimizu, Hello Kitty is one of the most recognizable characters in the world, and has appeared in numerous comics, video games, merchandise, and TV shows. The character even had an appearance in a CG animated vlog series on Youtube recently.
“We are thrilled to partner with Sanrio and Flynn Picture Co. 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,” New Line’s Richard Brener and Carolyn Blackwood stated.
Producer Flynn added, “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!”
