Australian cartoon series Bluey is to be adapted into a feature film.
The programme which follows the adventures of the loveable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog, who lives with her mum, dad and little sister, Bingo, will hit the big screen in 2027.
It will be made by Disney and BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the corporation.
Joe Brumm, who created the Bafta and Emmy-award winning series, will write and direct the film, with vocal talent from the TV show including Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack playing Bluey’s parents, Bandit and Chilli Heeler.
Bluey has been made available in more than 140 countries, and is 2024’s most-watched series globally on Disney+.
It was also the number one show on CBeebies in the UK, back in April, according to the Bluey website.
Earlier this year, the series’ first-ever extended-length special, The Sign, raked up 10.4 million views globally after just seven days, according to The Walt Disney Company.
“I’ve always thought Bluey deserved a theatrical movie. I want this to be an experiential event for the whole family to enjoy together,” Mr Brumm said.
“I really enjoyed the experience of working with a longer format on The Sign in series three, so going even further with a feature film feels like a natural extension of that.”
Mr Brumm said he will take a break from writing for the television series and instead focus on the film.
Dana Walden, co-chair at 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.
“We are so proud to expand upon our relationship with BBC Studios to bring the magic of Bluey to the big screen for real life, and we are deeply grateful to Joe Brumm for creating a world that continues to inspire and delight families everywhere.”
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Tom Fussell, chief executive of BBC Studios, added: “We are incredibly excited to take Bluey to cinemas given its extraordinary success on a global scale.”
After theatrical release, the film will be streamed on Disney+ and will later air on ABC iview and ABC Kids in Australia.
