Animated movie on Japanese cat 'Hello Kitty' in works

Los Angeles: Iconic Japanese character "Hellow Kitty" is getting a big screen treatment with an animated movie slated to release in 2019.

The fictional character will be brought to the screens by Sanrio through their recently established US branch Sanrio Media and Pictures Entertainment.

Sanrio managing director Rehito Hatoyama, chief executive of the new US unit will oversee the "Hello Kitty" project.

Created by Yuko Shimizu and currently designed by Yuko Yamaguchi, the white cat is familiar to the children around the globe with her red bow. The character was first introduced in Japan in 1975.