Hello Kitty coming to the big screen

Hello Kitty already makes $5 billion annually - a movie will undoubtedly make her richer

While most of Hollywood is saving its big announcements for Comic Con this week, some of Tinseltown's more obscure ideas are getting the greenlight. Last week, a Monopoly movie came a step closer to becoming a reality when production company Lionsgate signed on.

Now, Japanese icon Hello Kitty is set for the big screen.

The animated cat's owners, Sanrio, have revealed they are planning to finance and produce their own big-screen adaptation of their most famous product, aiming for a 2019 release date.

And it's not going to be a small project: the company is expecting to spend around NZ$200 to $360 million, including advertising and publicity, on the film.

Hello Kitty was created by Yuko Shimizu in 1974, when the white, symmetrical cat first appeared on fashion products and various merchandise. She quickly became a global sensation and has had several animated shows and video games created in her likeness. But never a movie.

Last year, Sanrio revealed Hello Kitty lives in London and her full name is Kitty White. The series has a large number of supporting characters, including Kitty's twin Mimmy and an extended family, giving more plot opportunities for a movie than you might expect.

It is not known if this will be live action or animated. The character turned 40 last year and makes over $5 billion for Sanrio annually.

- nzherald.co.nz