Eight More ‘Bluey’ Episodes Are Getting A European Theatrical Run, Why Aren’t American Studios Putting More Shows In Cinemas?

Bluey, one of the most-streamed TV series in the world, is heading back to theaters in Europe with Bluey at the Cinema: Let’s Play Chef Collection, an hour-long compilation of eight fan-favorite episodes

Set to launch in Spain on July 23, the compilation will continue its rollout across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland in the weeks to follow. The European theatrical expansion of Bluey is part of an ongoing collaboration between distributor Piece of Magic Entertainment and Vue Lumière, who acquired rights from BBC Studios. Bluey’s move to the big screen continues to build momentum ahead of the show’s first feature film, which is slated for release in 2027 through a joint deal between Disney and BBC Studios.

Bluey at the Cinema: Let’s Play Chef Collection was put together to spotlight the imaginative play and heartfelt family dynamics that have made Bluey a hit with audiences of all ages. The theatrical release follows a successful run in the UK and Ireland, where similar collections drew over 400,000 viewers to cinemas.

Bluey’s theatrical success reflects a broader trend: audiences are increasingly turning out for event-style screenings of episodic content, a model that anime franchises have already mastered. Shows like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Dan Da Dan have made millions, sometimes tens of millions, at the box office.

So why aren’t U.S. studios following suit? Could curated theatrical releases of Batman: The Animated Series, Clone Wars, or Steven Universe tap into the same appetite for nostalgia and community viewing? Why not?