In a landmark move that expands the beloved Blue Heeler’s world, Disney and BBC Studios have announced a comprehensive agreement to bring the internationally acclaimed animated series Bluey to the big screen, as well as to Disney’s theme parks and cruise ships.
The deal not only sets the stage for a highly anticipated feature film debut, but also paves the way for Bluey and her family to interact with fans around the globe directly.
Bluey and Chucky watch Dad, Pat and Lucky celebrate their rugby team scoring! – Disney Plus
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Under the terms of the new partnership, a Bluey feature film—produced by The Walt Disney Company and BBC Studios—will arrive in theaters in 2027. Series creator Joe Brumm, who will write and direct, said the movie will “continue the adventures of Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo.”
The production will draw on the same qualities that have endeared the show to countless viewers since it first aired.
“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,” Brumm said.
Bluey and Bingo complain to Mum and Brandy that their onesies are the wrong size – Disney Plus
It’s no shock that Bluey is top of Disney’s priority list. The Australian kids show is routinely Disney’s top streaming show on Disney Plus. However, the company never touts this milestone as Bluey isn’t owned by the House of Mouse. It’ll be interesting to see if Disney will be more open to embrace the wildly popular show now that it has more of a stake in its future.
The film, set to be fully CG-animated and produced in collaboration with Ludo Studio, is expected to retain the show’s original vocal talent, including Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Chilli and Bandit Heeler. Music by the show’s composer, Joff Bush, will also help bring Bluey’s world to life in new yet authentic ways.
Following its theatrical release under the Disney banner, the movie will later stream on Disney Plus and air on ABC iview and ABC Kids in Australia.
Dana Walden via Variety YouTube
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Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Dana Walden and Alan Bergman praised the show’s universal appeal, stating, “Since its debut on Disney Jr. and Disney Plus, Bluey has become a global phenomenon, uniting families everywhere with its heartfelt stories of play, imagination, and connection. We are so proud to expand upon our relationship with BBC Studios to bring the magic of Bluey to the big screen—‘for real life!’—and we are deeply grateful to Joe Brumm for creating a world that continues to inspire and delight families everywhere.”
Beyond the cinematic realm, Disney and BBC Studios are broadening Bluey’s footprint into the company’s theme parks and cruise line.
Starting in January 2025, guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line from Australia and New Zealand can find immersive experiences inspired by Bluey onboard. These sailings will feature meet-and-greets with Bluey and Bingo, along with interactive activities culminating in a dance party (Disney’s specialty).
The Pool Deck of the Disney Wish – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
“It’s a lovely day to go boat riding,” Ludo Studios said in a statement. “And we’re incredibly excited that Bluey and Bingo will be sailing on Disney Cruises, bringing Bluey’s magic to families on the high seas!”
Disney’s domestic theme parks aren’t being left out. Bluey and her family will make official appearances at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World beginning in 2025, with the studios and producers currently developing “a number of special activations.”
Details on how and where guests can encounter the Heelers within the parks will be revealed in the coming months.
“Bluey has become a household name for families around the world and we are thrilled to bring her story to life in new ways,” Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said. “We can’t wait to watch our youngest guests and their families make memories with Bluey in our parks and on our cruises.”
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro via Disney Parks YouTube
(There’s currently no word on whether D’Amaro plans to bulldoze any classic Disney stables to make way for the Heeler family, but we wouldn’t put it past him!)
Nicki Sheard, CEO of BBC Studios, Brands and Licensing, described these new developments as another major milestone for the show.
“The Heeler family’s debut at Disney Theme Parks and Cruises really is the icing on the cake for what has been an exceptional year for Bluey,” she said. “We are committed to creating the very best-in-class experiences for our fans and can’t wait to open the doors to families next year.”
Bandit and Bingo run around and have fun with Turtleboy – Disney Plus
With a critically acclaimed series that consistently ranks as one of Disney+’s most-streamed shows, successful merchandising ventures that bolster BBC Studios’ revenue, and a fan base that spans continents, Bluey continues to break new ground.
Is Bluey enough to bring your family to the Disney Parks? Will you bring your kids to see a Disney-produced Bluey movie? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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