Bluey creator stuns fans with shocking announcement ahead of big-screen debut

Joe Brumm, creator of the beloved children’s series Bluey, has announced big news ahead of the show’s big-screen debut.

Bluey is hitting the big screen.

Bluey creator Joe Brumm has announced he will step away from the globally adored animated series to focus on the franchise’s first-ever feature film, set to hit cinemas in 2027.

In a move that has left fans both heartbroken and excited, Brumm confirmed the news in an emotional letter, revealing that the upcoming Bluey episode, The Sign, will mark his farewell to the television series.

“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,” he explained.

“The Sign iwill mark my TV finale for Bluey and I wrote it as such.”

While Brumm’s departure from the show marks the end of an era, he reassured fans that Bluey will continue without him.

Joe Brumm. Picture: Supplied

Joe Brumm, creator of the beloved children’s series Bluey, has announced he is stepping away from the hit TV show. Photo: Supplied.

“To be clear, this is not an announcement about the end of the show, but it is an acknowledgment that my focus will be on the film,” he wrote.

The upcoming film, titled Bluey: The Movie, will be produced entirely in Queensland by Ludo Studio in collaboration with BBC Studios and Disney.

Brumm, who is both writing and directing the movie, described the project as a natural evolution for the Heeler family’s adventures.

“I really enjoyed the experience of working with a longer format on ‘The Sign’ in Series 3, so going even further with a feature film feels like a natural extension of that,” he said.

The film is expected to generate over 130 local jobs and inject $35 million into Queensland’s economy.

It will feature the beloved voices of Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Bluey’s mum and dad, Chilli and Bandit Heeler, with music to be created by Bluey composer Joff Bush.

Following its theatrical release, Bluey: The Movie will stream on Disney+ and air on ABC Kids in Australia.

Bluey has become a big deal since its 2018 launch.

Since its debut in 2018, Bluey has captured hearts in over 140 countries, becoming a cultural phenomenon.

With accolades including AACTA, BAFTA, and Emmy Awards, the show recently earned the title of the most-watched series of 2024 in the US.

Brumm reflected on the impact of the show in his statement, saying, “Bluey has completely changed my life. To walk away while it’s at such a height will seem crazy to some but, for now, I am finding it difficult to reach back genuinely into that four to six year old world and write authentically.”

The announcement sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media.

Parents and fans expressed their mixed feelings — saddened by Brumm’s departure but thrilled by the prospect of a feature film.

“I was excited about the movie … now I’m sad,” one fan wrote, while another admitted, “I read this to my daughter, and she’s bawling her eyes out.”

Bluey has gone global since its launch. Picture: ABC

Bluey fast facts

When did the show start?

The animated TV series premiered on ABC Kids on October 1, 2018. The show was commissioned in July 2017.

Who created Bluey?

Joe Brumm, who was inspired by the raising of his two daughters. It is produced by Queensland’s Ludo Studio.

Who is Bluey?

Bluey is a six (and later seven) year-old Blue Heeler who has great curiosity about the world.

What awards has Bluey won?

Best Children’s Program at the AACTA Awards in 2019 through to 2023. It has also won a swag of other awards.

How many countries watch Bluey?

More than 140, and it was the most-watched television show in the United States in 2024.