Japanese character and lifestyle business Sanrio is planning to launch a Hello Kitty movie for global release in 2019

Estimated cost for the project is $162m to $ 242cm including production and advertising. Rehito Hatoyama, Sanrio’s acting manager director has been appointed as the new CEO of the US unit that will carry out the project, according to Nikkei Asian Review.

The company is also considering other character properties to star in films as well, with a dedicated fund likely to be established for these projects.

Sanrio’s other iconic characters include My Melody and Little Twin Stars, which are both celebrating their 40th anniversaries this year and will be at the upcoming Comic-Con.

Hello Kitty turned 40 last year.

In January, Sanrio also sold film rights to its Mr. Men and Little Miss characters to Fox Animation.