The Bluey movie is go.
After months of speculation, the global TV kids phenomenon is heading to the big screen in 2027 under a deal struck by Disney and BBC Studios. Disney has global theatrical and streaming rights.
Written and directed by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, the film is a Ludo Studio production. Brumm announced that he was stepping away from the TV series to make the film. The TV series will continue without him.
The Australian series chronicles the life of blue heeler dog, Bluey, and her family: Mom Chilli, Dad Bandit, and sister Bingo. The show has captured the world’s imagination with its charming, funny, and relatable observations about everyday family life.
“I’ve always thought Bluey deserved a theatrical movie. I want this to be an experiential event for the whole family to enjoy together,” Brumm said.
Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, co-chairmen Disney Entertainment, said: “Since its debut on Disney Jr. and Disney+, Bluey has become a global phenomenon, uniting families everywhere with its heartfelt stories of play, imagination and connection.”
BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell added that Bluey is “some of the most popular IP in the world” and a “feature-length film was the natural next step.”
Disney will release the Bluey movie in theaters worldwide, followed by streaming on Disney+. It will also air on ABC iView and ABC Kids in Australia post-theatrical release.
The film will be produced by Amber Naismith (Happy Feet), with Richard Jeffery returning to co-direct. Brumm is executive producer, with Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson from Ludo Studio, alongside Justine Flynn for BBC Studios. For Disney, the film will be overseen by David Greenbaum, president of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios.
BBC Studios is financing and licensing the picture for distribution. Post-production funding is from the Australian government through the Producer Offset and Screen Australia, and support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital, and Visual Effects Incentive.
Commenting on his decision to focus on the movie, Brumm said: “After some time spent away from the series, working on another project, an old idea resurfaced and before I knew it, I’d written a Bluey feature script that I really love. Fast forward through a tonne of contracting and we’re about to embark on making an animated Bluey movie.
“I always said I wouldn’t keep making the show if I thought I couldn’t make any new season as good as the last. This would have been the case for me with a potential season four, so I’ve decided to take a break from my involvement in the TV series. In the event I can’t wrap my head around doing more seasons myself, The Sign will mark my TV finale for Bluey and I wrote it as such.”
The Sign premiered on Disney+ in April this year and the extended episode generated 10.4M views, making it the most-viewed Disney Junior episode premiere ever.