Bluey feature film confirmed by Brisbane creators

She’s the star of her own TV show and tourism campaign, and now Queensland’s favourite blue heeler is set for a box office bonanza.

The Heeler family from Brisbane-made global kids’ smash hit series Bluey

Bluey is heading to the big screen, with the global kids’ sensation to star in an animated feature film to be made in Queensland.

With the loveable cartoon blue heeler already the star of her own Brisbane interactive experience and a Queensland tourism campaign, BBC Studios and the Walt Disney Company will on Wednesday announce a full-length feature film for the family favourite which is slated to land in cinemas in 2027 in a move set to deliver more than 130 local jobs and contribute an estimated $35m to Queensland’s economy.

Written and directed by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, the film is a Ludo Studio production in collaboration with BBC Studios, and will continue the adventures of the blue heeler and her Mum Chilli, Dad Bandit and little sister Bingo.

The movie will feature the vocal talent from the hit TV show, including Queensland products 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.

Since its history making debut on the ABC in 2018, Bluey has become a worldwide hit, gaining millions of fans in more than 140 countries.

Bluey has won AACTA, BAFTA and Emmy Awards and was recently named as the most-watched series of 2024 in the US, with more than 842 million hours viewed so far this year.

The movie adaptation will be produced by award-winning animation producer Amber Naismith who has overseen such blockbuster movies as Happy Feet, The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie with Bluey series director Richard Jeffery returning to co-direct the feature film.

The Ludo Studio brains trust will also be intimately involved among a heavy hitting assembly of executive producers.

Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the movie would showcase Queensland’s incredible lifestyle and culture to the world.

“Bluey is a global household name, and we are thrilled to back one of Queensland’s favourite ambassadors on her first adventure to the big screen” he said.

“Hot on the heels of the opening of Bluey’s World in Brisbane, where fans young and old can experience the Heeler family’s home for real life, this new feature film continues the Bluey series’ tradition of showcasing Queensland’s quintessential lifestyle, culture and environments.

“The movie – just like Bluey herself – will be a 100 per cent Queensland production and Ludo Studios’ talented writers, artists, cast and crew will continue their incredible work bringing these characters to life and capturing hearts across the globe.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said the project would be a huge coup for the state’s entertainment industry.

Disney will release the Bluey movie in theatres worldwide, followed by streaming on Disney+.

It is understood the movie will also air on ABC Kids and ABC iview in Australia after its theatrical release.

Originally published as Bluey feature film confirmed by Brisbane creators