By little exaggeration, Bluey is perhaps one of the biggest and most successful animated series within the past decade. Although it's an absolute hit in the show's native Australia, Disney made it a global sensation by including it on Disney+.
Thanks in no small part to Disney's involvement, Bluey, Bingo, and all the rest have become household names. That said, could they still thrive if the House of Mouse has more power?
Can Disney Keep Bluey's Magic?
Bluey buffs around the world were bombarded with delight just before the Christmas season. Not only did a new partnership between Disney and Ludo come with the reveal of a new full-length Bluey movie, but it was also revealed that Bluey and Bingo are finally on their way to the Disney Parks.
The official announcement from The Walt Disney Company shared the following,
"BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company today announced the first-ever animated feature film for Bluey, the beloved Emmy® and BAFTA Award-winning animated series that is 2024’s No. 1 series on streaming. The new deal sees Disney acquiring the global theatrical rights for the film, which will land in cinemas in 2027 under the Disney banner. Following the global theatrical release, it will stream on Disney+."
If you know anything about Disney, the magical empire has a certain appetite for IP, and theatrical rights are just the beginning. From the silver screen to the theme parks, Disney is going to give fans more Bluey than they can handle. However, this is going to be a major process.
At the time of writing, many fans are already biting their nails at the thought of Disney taking over. Paired with the news of Bluey Creator Joe Brumm's departure from the TV show, and it might spell out some choppy waters for the beloved blue dog. However, it might actually be the best thing for the show.
As Bluey's creator continues to perfect the script for the upcoming movie, the show has reportedly been left in capable hands. Per the show's official blog, Brumm has carefully chosen the team to represent his vision best, and we shouldn't be too worried.
Speaking as someone who devours Bluey at regular intervals, this writer believes that Disney's partnership with Ludo has been a long time coming. Moreover, the studio's involvement could very well give us more than a fourth season in the future.
A Bluey movie could very well be the start of something bigger; the Blue-niverse, if you will. Moreover, its' probably a safe bet that Disney won't stop at just a character presence on the cruise ships and at the parks either. It might only be a matter of time and paperwork before we get a Bluey ride somewhere on Disney property.
The point is IPs like Bluey, Star Wars, and Marvel drastically expanded with Disney's involvement. It's safe to say that the MCU wouldn't even exist if it wasn't for the mouse. For better or for worse, Bluey is about to get a whole lot bigger.
Fans still frightened that Disney will attempt to make Bluey and Bingo their latest pair of cash cows probably don't need to worry as much as they think. Keep in mind Disney isn't working alone here, and the studio's duties might start and end with distribution and theme parks.
Daley Pearson and Charlie Aspinwall, Co-Founders and Directors at Ludo Studio, are also highly involved in this new partnership, as well as a laundry list of other Bluey regulars who will undoubtedly keep Disney in check.
While we cannot say for certain what will happen until production officially begins, it seems like all the right steps are being taken to keep Bluey beloved. After all, Disney knows what makes the most money, and those on the corporate side will likely maintain a safe distance to ensure the current line of success continues.
Bluey, Bingo, and all their friends can be streamed on Disney+ and ABC iView.