Screen Queensland has today confirmed that the debut animated feature film for international phenomenon Bluey will be made in the sunshine state.
This follows the announcement by BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company that the full-length feature film from the beloved Emmy® and BAFTA award-winning series will land in cinemas in 2027.
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 Bluey—a loveable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighborhood into her world of fun.
The Emmy®, BAFTA, Peabody and Rose d’Or award-winning show currently airs in 140 countries and is the #1 streamed series of 2024 in the US* as well as the #1 kids show on CBeebies and Disney+ in the UK.
The film stars the vocal talent from the hit show, including 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.
Supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive, this production is the largest animated feature film to be made in Queensland and is set to transform the state’s screen sector as a new hub for animation expertise.
The producers are currently recruiting for the best CG animation talent to join the highly anticipated production and help bring Bluey to life on the big screen.
Minister for Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the movie will 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, which continues the series’ tradition of showcasing Queensland’s quintessential lifestyle, culture and environments,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Just like Bluey herself, this is a 100 per cent Queensland production and we know this movie will build on the international successes of Boy Swallows Universe and Black Snowto showcase our region globally, while creating local jobs and boosting our economy.”
Jacqui Feeney, CEO of Screen Queensland said that the film, which will employ more than 130 screen practitioners and contribute an estimated $35 million to the state’s economy, is further raising the bar when it comes to the state’s capacity to produce animated productions.
“It doesn’t get bigger than Bluey! Ludo Studio is a demonstrable innovation success for Queensland and this project will not only expand the skills and experience of our local animation specialists but will attract the best and brightest from across Australia making Brisbane a globally recognised animation hub.
“The award-winning Ludo Studio is a shining example of what’s possible within Brisbane’s fast evolving production sector and this film will see them collaborate with a number of local companies including Cosmic Dino Studio and Folklore Sound.
“Bluey illustrates the enormous capacity for our local screen stories to capture hearts and minds as well as lure visitors to Queensland to explore ‘Bluey’s world, for real life’ — we couldn’t be prouder to now be supporting this first feature-length iteration.”
Daley Pearson and Charlie Aspinwall, Co-Founders and Directors of Ludo Studio said that “The support of Screen Queensland and the Queensland Government has been essential in bringing the Bluey series—and now, Bluey’s first feature film—to life.
“Over the past eight years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team of more than fifty artists and producers whose talent, dedication, and creativity have shaped Bluey into the beloved series it is today.
“Their work has paved the way for this incredible opportunity to expand Bluey’s world onto the big screen. We’re excited to continue showing Queensland as a home for world-class talent and to share a new beautiful Bluey story by Joe Brumm with families around the world.”
Tom Fussell, CEO, BBC Studios, said that “We are incredibly excited to take Bluey to the big screen given its extraordinary success on a global scale.
“It has been such an honour to work with Joe and the team at Ludo on Bluey’s meteoric rise from inception through to becoming one of the most beloved TV shows of all time. BBC Studios has a long history of bringing the very best children’s television to the world in new and exciting ways, so working with Joe and the team, we felt a feature-length film was the natural next step.”
The CG animated film will be produced by award-winning animation producer Amber Naismith (Happy Feet, The Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movie) with Richard Jeffery returning to co-direct (Bluey Series 1–3), Joe Brumm is executive producer alongside Justine Flynn for BBC Studios, with Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson from Ludo Studio. For Disney, the film will be overseen by David Greenbaum, president of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, and his team.
BBC Studios is financing and licensing the picture for distribution. The film is supported by the Australian Government through the Producer Offset and Screen Australia, and support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital and Visual Effects Incentive.
Disney will release the Bluey movie in theatres worldwide, followed by streaming on Disney+. The movie will also air on ABC iview and ABC Kids in Australia post-theatrical release.
For more information about Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive, visit screenqueensland.com.au.
*Source: Nielsen Media Research
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Media contact
Amanda Lawson
Head of Marketing and Communications
media@screenqld.com.au | 07 3248 0500
