New 'Moomin' animated feature in the works at Annapurna with Rebecca Sugar at the helm

A new Moomin animated feature film is officially in development, with Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar set to write and direct.

The project marks the first Moomin film to be produced in the United States, bringing Tove Jansson’s timeless characters to a new generation of audiences.

The film is a collaboration between Moomin Characters and Annapurna Animation. Industry veteran Julia Pistor, known for The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, The Rugrats Movie, and The Magician’s Elephant, will serve as producer.

First created by Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson during World War II, the Moomins are gentle, round trolls who inhabit the idyllic Moominvalley, a world filled with whimsy, adventure, and heartfelt life lessons about friendship, courage, and kindness.

Since their debut, the Moomins have become a beloved global franchise, with books published in more than 60 languages and television adaptations broadcast in over 120 countries.

“We are thrilled to partner with the talented Rebecca Sugar as well as Annapurna for this milestone new film. We are excited to see how this accomplished team will reinterpret the beloved Moomin stories and for them to be discovered and rediscovered by old and new fans alike,” said Roleff Kråkström, CEO of Moomin Characters.

Robert Baird and Andrew Millstein, co-presidents of Annapurna Animation, added, “We’re honoured to bring Tove Jansson’s timeless vision to the big screen. Along with Rebecca and Julia, we can’t wait to introduce these beloved characters — and the humour, heart, and subversive spirit Tove brought to her work — to new audiences.”

Further details about the project, including release timelines and casting, are expected to be announced soon.