Sanrio's long-gestating "Hello Kitty" movie finally has creative leadership. David Derrick Jr., who directed "Moana 2," and John Aoshima, helmer of Netflix's "Ultraman: Rising," will co-direct the feature film.
Ramsey Naito, the former president of Paramount Animation and producer on "The Boss Baby," will produce alongside Beau Flynn, with Shelby Thomas overseeing for FlynnPictureCo. The project has spent years in development limbo before landing these marquee talents.
The casting of Derrick and Aoshima signals Sanrio's ambitions for the property. Derrick brings major tentpole animation experience after steering the $150 million+ "Moana 2" sequel to global success. Aoshima contributed significant directorial work on Netflix's superhero-anime hybrid "Ultraman: Rising," which showcased his ability to blend different visual styles and storytelling sensibilities. Both directors have proven track records with family audiences and stylistically diverse animation.
The involvement of Naito, who shaped Paramount Animation's output during the studio's push into franchise-driven content, adds institutional animation expertise. Flynn's company has proven adept at shepherding IP through development and production, handling projects across multiple studios and platforms.
"Hello Kitty" represents one of entertainment's most valuable and enduring properties. The character, created in 1974, has generated billions in merchandise and spawned multiple animated series and films. A theatrical feature, however, requires a different creative approach than direct-to-screen or streaming content. The filmmakers will need to balance Sanrio's core audience expectations with broader theatrical appeal.
The project's extended development timeline reflects the careful consideration required to adapt such an iconic, globally recognized character for cinema. With Derrick