‘Hello Kitty’ Movie Sets 2028 Release, Sparks Fancasting Frenzy!

November 2, 2025

It’s official: one of the world’s most recognizable icons is heading to Hollywood. Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema have announced that the highly anticipated ‘Hello Kitty’ feature film will debut in theaters on July 21, 2028. The news has sent the internet into a delightful spiral—and for fans of the wider Sanrio universe, the immediate question is: who will voice the friends? The studio confirmed that the movie is staying true to the brand’s animated roots, promising a “cinematic adventure sure to delight audiences of all ages” as Hello Kitty and her friends embark on their Hollywood theatrical debut.

While the 2028 release date is a long way off, it’s the involvement of Hello Kitty’s extensive circle of friends that has sparked the most conversation. Sanrio’s license to the studio includes a wide range of fan-favorites, confirming that this won’t be a solo show for Kitty White. The plot remains a secret, but the film is expected to feature a globe-spanning adventure rooted in the core values of friendship, connection, and fun. Naturally, this means a major Sanrio character could steal the spotlight.

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This brings us to the fluffy, flying darling of the moment: Cinnamonroll. Is it too early to fancast the beloved pup? Absolutely not. With fan enthusiasm already high, here are some of the Sanrio characters expected to join the big-screen adventure:

Hello Kitty (Kitty White): The bow-wearing icon herself. Fans are buzzing over whether she will finally speak, as she is typically silent in her animated appearances.
My Melody: The adorable, pink-hooded rabbit and Hello Kitty’s best friend.
Kuromi: My Melody’s rival and the edgy, black-and-pink hooded fashionista.
Gudetama: The famously lazy, often-cracked egg yolk, a breakout star in his own right.
Little Twin Stars (Kiki and Lala): The angelic pair of twin siblings.

The studio has confirmed the film will feature fan-favorites from Sanrio’s expansive universe, so characters like Pompompurin, Badtz-Maru, and yes, Cinnamonroll, are almost guaranteed to make an appearance.

The announcement comes five years after the initial deal was struck, and the extended wait has only fueled fan speculation about the voice cast. With animated features often tapping high-profile celebrity voices, the casting could be the film’s next major piece of news.

Current director Leo Matsuda (known for his story work on Disney films like Zootopia and Wreck-It Ralph) and writer Dana Fox (Wicked) have yet to reveal the voice actors. Until they do, the online fancasting is in full swing, with many fans throwing out names ranging from established voice actors to global music stars.

The countdown to July 21, 2028, has officially begun. Sanrio has called Hello Kitty their “global messenger of friendship,” and her Hollywood debut is set to be one of the biggest animated events of the decade.

Would you like to search for the director’s past work or the screenwriter’s credits to guess the film’s potential style?

Written by: Janetzy