Sanrio Officially Announces Kuromi’s First-Ever Movie for 2027
Image by James RichardsonSanrio is giving Kuromi her biggest solo role yet, with the popular character set to headline her first-ever theatrical animated movie.
Simply titled “KUROMI,” the new film will give the longtime My Melody rival her first feature-length adventure more than two decades after she made her debut in Onegai My Melody.
Kuromi first appeared in the 2005 anime with her black jester hood, pink skull and an unexpectedly girly side hidden behind her tougher personality.
She has since grown into one of Sanrio’s most popular characters worldwide, increasingly taking the spotlight across animation, music, fashion and major collaborations.
Kuromi previously led her own short-form web anime through KUROMI’S PRETTY JOURNEY in 2023, before appearing alongside My Melody in the stop-motion series “My Melody & Kuromi,” which launched globally through Netflix as part of their respective 50th and 20th anniversary celebrations in 2025.
The following October also saw Kuromi make her major-label music debut through TOY’S FACTORY, further expanding her reach beyond the merchandise and animation that made her famous.
Her popularity remains strong among fans going into her first movie, with Kuromi finishing fourth in the 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking after a record-breaking 70.6 million votes were cast across the annual global popularity poll.
Sanrio has also continued expanding its “World Kuromification Project,” an ongoing campaign built around Kuromi’s message of embracing individuality and becoming the person you want to be.
One of its biggest recent projects transformed three floors of a Tokyo venue into “KUROMI’S MYSTERIOUS DEPARTMENT STORE”, combining interactive fashion and cosmetics displays with surprise effects and exclusive merchandise inspired by Kuromi’s world.
The movie was announced on Kuromi’s birthday, with Sanrio releasing a celebratory visual alongside a special video message showing her reacting emotionally to finally getting her own film.
Her longtime sidekick Baku can also be heard joining the celebration, while Kuromi credits the support of her “KUROMIES” for helping her reach the milestone.
GAGA is handling planning and distribution for the project, which is currently scheduled for a theatrical release across Japan during 2027.
Sanrio has not yet revealed the movie’s story, director, animation studio, voice cast or exact opening date, leaving plenty more to be announced as the project moves closer to release.
International plans have also yet to be confirmed, although the movie’s official website states that overseas release information will be announced once details have been finalized.
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