Disney to Bring Bluey to the Big Screen with First-Ever Movie in 2027

A supplied image obtained on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, of ABC TV children's program Bluey, which has won an International Emmy award. AAP Image/Supplied by Australian Broadcasting Corporation

BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company have announced that Bluey, the globally beloved animated series, will make its big-screen debut in 2027.

Disney has acquired global theatrical rights for the film, which will be premiere in cinemas under before becoming available for streaming on Disney+.

Created by Joe Brumm, the film will follow the continuing adventures of Bluey, a spirited blue heeler pup, and her family.

Produced by Ludo Studio in collaboration with BBC Studios, the movie promises to maintain the charm and humour that have made the series a worldwide hit.

Brumm shared his excitement about the transition to the big screen, saying, “I’ve always thought Bluey deserved a theatrical movie. I want this to be an experiential event for the whole family to enjoy together.”

He also expressed eagerness to continue collaborating with Cecilia Persson, Tom Fussell, and the teams at BBC Studios and Disney.

Vocal Talents and Top Production Team

The upcoming film will feature familiar voices from the series, including Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Bluey’s parents, Chilli, and Bandit Heeler. Joff Bush, the composer behind Bluey’s iconic music, will also return.

Award-winning animation producer Amber Naismith, known for Happy Feet and The Lego Movie, will produce the film, with Richard Jeffery co-directing.

International Success Drives Film Adaptation

Bluey has enjoyed immense success globally, breaking records in the United States. In September 2024, the series became the most-watched show of the year in the U.S., with a staggering 35 billion minutes of viewing time.

Daley Pearson, Bluey’s executive producer and co-founder of Ludo Studio, celebrated the show’s rise, saying, “Bluey is now the No.1 most-watched show in the United States for 2024.”

The U.S. Embassy in Australia even celebrated its success, noting how “lots of little Aussie accents and kids saying ‘dunny’ all across the U.S.”

In 2023, Bluey was the second-most-streamed TV show in the U.S., according to Nielsen ratings.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers also commented on Bluey’s success, calling it a source of “national pride.”

A National Treasure

He added, “For a country best known for low-grade soap operas, which relies on exports of commodities like iron ore, red meat, and coal for its economic resilience, the global success of the cartoon is a source of national pride.”

Bluey’s cultural resonance was evident in 2023 when its episode “Cricket” captured more attention than Australia’s men’s cricket team winning the World Test Championship.

With its themes of imagination, play, and family, Bluey continues to captivate audiences worldwide, spreading Australian culture and charm far and wide.