Do the Heelers eat popcorn? TV hit Bluey becomes a film

Bluey and Bingo
Cartoon cattle dogs Bluey and Bingo, who have taken the world by storm, will feature in a film. -AAP Image

It was season 2, episode 28 when world famous heeler Bluey visited the cinema for the very first time.

"Are you sure you're ready for movies Bluey? You're a bit of a sensitive kid," asked her dad, Bandit.

Turns out Bluey is most definitely ready, with the beloved children's show to be made into a feature film for worldwide release through Disney in 2027.

If there's anyone who isn't familiar with the Australian-made animated series, it features blue heeler puppy Bluey, her sister Bingo and their parents, who live in a classic Queenslander house.

A feature film version of Bluey is scheduled to be screened in cinemas in 2027. (AP PHOTO)

The TV show has been released in 140 countries, with an incredible 842 million hours of the program streamed in the US alone.

"I've always thought Bluey deserved a theatrical movie," Bluey creator Joe Brumm said in a statement.

"I want this to be an experiential event for the whole family to enjoy together".

Whether cinemagoers will spill their popcorn, get squashed in the seats, need toilet breaks, and bump into the movie screen (just like in the Movies episode) remains to be seen.

Brumm will write and direct the film, which is a Ludo Studio production in collaboration with BBC Studios.

After its run in movie theatres, it will be streamed on Disney+, ABC iview and ABC Kids in Australia.

A letter from Bluey creator, Joe Brumm ➡️ — Official Bluey TV (@OfficialBlueyTV) https://t.co/0jUKdUnlL3 pic.twitter.com/d8HHy9JEQdDecember 17, 2024

The film will include the voices of Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Bluey's mum and dad.

As a children's TV show commissioned by the ABC and BBC, Bluey is funded by Australian taxpayers, and was developed in Queensland.

"What this shows is when Queenslanders have a crack, they can take on the world," state premier David Crisafulli said.

The federal and Queensland governments are also supporting the Bluey film via production tax breaks and Screen Queensland incentives.

Bluey was so successful because families watch it together, said Swinburne University media studies academic Joanna McIntrye.

"Bluey was the number one show with both younger and older children, and was the content that parents were most eager to co-view," Dr McIntrye said.

In April, Australia House in London - home to the Australian High Commission - hosted a celebratory event organised by BBC Studios in which the embassy was adorned with Bluey flags.