BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company announce first-ever bluey animated feauture film

"I had a great time working on 'The Sign' in Series 3, and now taking it further with a feature film seems like a logical next step. I've always felt that 'Bluey' was worthy of a big-screen adventure. My goal is to create an enjoyable experience that families can share together. I'm looking forward to collaborating with Cecilia Persson, Tom Fussell, and the team at BBC Studios, as well as Dana Walden and Alan Bergman from Disney, to bring this exciting new 'Bluey' story to theaters."

Disney has secured the worldwide theatrical film rights for the top streaming series, Bluey, which will also be available for streaming on Disney+.

BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company have revealed plans for the inaugural animated feature film based on 'Bluey', the adored series that has won both Emmy® and BAFTA Awards and is currently the top series on streaming for 2024. As part of this new agreement, Disney will hold the worldwide theatrical rights to the film, which is set to debut in theaters in 2027 under the Disney brand. After its global release, it will also be available for streaming on Disney+.

Created and helmed by Joe Brumm, the mind behind ‘Bluey,’ this film is a collaborative effort between Ludo Studio and BBC Studios. It captures the same delightful charm and wit that turned the TV series into an international hit, following the ongoing escapades of Bluey, an endearing and energetic blue heeler puppy, who shares her home with her mother, father, and younger sister, Bingo.

Joe Brumm, the creator of ‘Bluey’, expressed his enthusiasm about expanding the show's format with ‘The Sign’ in Series 3, commenting that it was a rewarding experience. He believes that moving to a feature film is a natural next step and has always felt that 'Bluey' deserved to be showcased in theaters. Brumm aims to create an event that the entire family can enjoy together. He looks forward to collaborating with Cecilia Persson, Tom Fussell, the BBC Studios team, along with Dana Walden and Alan Bergman at Disney to bring this new 'Bluey' story to the cinema.

Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, co-chairs of Disney Entertainment, expressed: “Since first launching on Disney Jr. and Disney+, ‘Bluey’ has taken the world by storm, bringing families together with its touching tales of fun, creativity, and bonding. We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with BBC Studios to bring the enchanting world of ‘Bluey’ to theaters – making it a reality! We extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe Brumm for crafting a universe that continually inspires and entertains families globally.”

Tom Fussell, the CEO of BBC Studios, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing 'Bluey' to the big screen, citing its remarkable global success as one of the most beloved properties worldwide. He noted the honor of collaborating with Joe and the Ludo Studio team during 'Bluey's' incredible journey from creation to becoming a cherished TV series. BBC Studios has a rich tradition of delivering outstanding children's programming in innovative ways, so teaming up with Joe for a full-length film felt like a natural progression. He also shared excitement about partnering with Disney for 'Bluey's' anticipated theatrical release and looks forward to working with Dana, Alan, and their whole team on this exciting project.

Daley Pearson and Charlie Aspinwall, the Co-Founders and Directors of Ludo Studio, expressed their thoughts: “Throughout the last eight years, we've had the honor of collaborating with an amazing group of over fifty artists and producers. Their exceptional skills, commitment, and creativity have transformed 'Bluey' into the cherished series it is today. Their efforts have opened the door for this incredible chance to bring 'Bluey' to the big screen. We’re thrilled to continue showcasing Queensland as a hub for top-notch talent and to present a new, beautiful 'Bluey' story written by Joe Brumm to families across the globe.”

The movie will feature the voice talents of stars from the popular series, with Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack voicing Bluey's parents, Chilli and Bandit Heeler. The soundtrack will be composed by Joff Bush, who is the original composer for 'Bluey.'

The animated film will be created by acclaimed animation producer Amber Naismith, known for her work on ‘Happy Feet’, ‘The Lego Movie’, and ‘The Lego Batman Movie’. Richard Jeffery will also be back to co-direct, having previously worked on ‘Bluey’.

In Seasons 1-3, Joe Brumm serves as the Executive Producer along with Justine Flynn for BBC Studios, while Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson represent Ludo Studio. For Disney, David Greenbaum, who is the president of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, will supervise the film along with his team.

BBC Studios is providing funding and distribution rights for the film. It also has backing from the Australian government via the Producer Offset and Screen Australia, along with assistance from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland's incentives for post-production, digital work, and visual effects.

Disney is set to launch the 'Bluey' movie in cinemas around the globe, and it will later be available for streaming on Disney+. After its run in theaters, the film will also be shown on ABC iview and ABC Kids in Australia.

"Bluey," available in over 140 countries, has become Disney+'s most popular series worldwide in 2024. As of November, it is the top-streamed show in the U.S., with viewers accumulating more than 50.5 billion minutes (or 842 million hours) of watch time. (*Source: Nielsen Media Research; Streaming Content Ratings 1/1/24-11/24/24). In the UK, it ranks as the number one children's program on both CBeebies and Disney+. The series has received multiple accolades, including a Peabody Award in 2024 and consecutive Television Critics Association Awards in 2023 and 2024.

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BBC Studios is the primary commercial division of BBC Commercial Ltd, reporting revenues of £1.8 billion last year, alongside profits surpassing £200 million for the third year in a row. The company excels at transforming ideas into reality, producing content across two main areas: the Content Studio, which creates, invests in, and distributes television and audio content worldwide, and Media & Streaming, which encompasses BBC-branded channels and services such as UKTV, bbc.com, BritBox International, and various collaborations in both the UK and abroad. Last year, the company delivered over 2,800 hours of award-winning British programming for numerous broadcasters and platforms around the globe. Its content spans various genres and is globally acclaimed, featuring well-known titles like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey, and Doctor Who.

### Overview of The Walt Disney Company The Walt Disney Company, a global leader in entertainment, is renowned for its diverse array of media and entertainment offerings. Founded in 1923 by Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, the company has grown from its original animation roots into a multifaceted organization that includes film production, television networks, theme parks, and various consumer products. Disney's iconic characters and storytelling have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, making it a beloved brand synonymous with family entertainment and creativity. From animated classics to live-action films and beyond, The Walt Disney Company continues to innovate and expand its reach, ensuring that its magic endures for generations to come.

The Walt Disney Company, along with its various subsidiaries and affiliates, is a prominent global entertainment and media organization that operates in three main areas: Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences. As a member of the Dow 30, Disney generated annual revenues of $91.4 billion in its Fiscal Year 2024.

Ludo Studio is an award-winning Australian studio recognized with a BAFTA, multiple Emmy® Awards, Logie Awards, and a Peabody Award. Named one of TIME’s Most Influential Companies of 2024, Ludo Studio develops and produces original scripted dramas, animations, and digital narratives crafted by exceptional local creators. Their work is shared worldwide and cherished by viewers everywhere. For more information, visit Ludostudio.com.au.

Screen Queensland is a government agency dedicated to supporting local film productions, television series, and digital games. It also seeks to draw in film and post-production projects from other countries and states. The organization offers various programs to help local professionals advance their careers and actively backs film festivals and industry gatherings, including Screen Forever, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and the AACTA Awards and Festival. Additionally, Screen Queensland oversees studios in Brisbane and Cairns.