Washington, May 19 -- The long-in-development 'Hello Kitty' feature film has secured its directors, with filmmakers behind 'Moana 2' and 'Ultraman: Rising' officially set to helm the project, marking a major step forward for the adaptation of the iconic global character.

David Derrick Jr. ('Moana 2') and John Aoshima ('Ultraman: Rising') will direct the upcoming film, which will be produced by Beau Flynn. Former Paramount Animation president Ramsey Naito ('The Boss Baby') is also on board as a producer, according to Variety.

The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema and is scheduled for theatrical release on July 21, 2028. It will mark 'Hello Kitty's' Hollywood theatrical debut.

The project has...