STEVEN UNIVERSE Creator Rebecca Sugar to Bring the MOOMINS to Life in a New Animated Film
Beloved by generations around the world, the Moomins are officially heading to the big screen, and they’re in good hands with Rebecca Sugar, the visionary creator behind Steven Universe.
She has been tapped to write and direct a new animated Moomin feature film for Annapurna Animation and Moomin Characters.
This marks the first-ever Moomin film produced in the United States, a major milestone for the timeless Finnish creation. The movie will be produced by Julia Pistor, whose credits include The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie and The Rugrats Movie.
The Moomins were created by Finnish artist and writer Tove Jansson during World War II. These gentle, round trolls live in the idyllic Moominvalley, a place filled with wonder, warmth, and whimsy. At its heart, the Moomin world celebrates friendship, courage, and respect and themes that feel perfectly suited to Sugar’s storytelling sensibilities.
Since their debut, Jansson’s Moomin books have been translated into more than 60 languages and adapted for television in over 120 countries. The Moomin comic strip, also drawn by Jansson, reached audiences in 40 countries, cementing the characters’ place as international icons.
“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.
Annapurna Animation co-presidents Robert Baird and Andrew Millstein also expressed their excitement, saying, “We’re honored 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 humor, heart, and subversive spirit Tove brought to her work—to new audiences.”
For Sugar, this project feels like a natural fit. The Emmy-nominated creator is known for crafting emotionally rich and inclusive stories through Steven Universe and Steven Universe: The Movie, struck a deep chord with fans of all ages. Beyond animation, Sugar recently released her album Lonely Magic, showcasing her versatility as a musician and storyteller.
With her signature mix of heart, music, and imagination, Sugar is the perfect choice to reintroduce the Moomins to a new generation. This collaboration between Annapurna and Moomin Characters promises to be something truly magical, a film that honors Tove Jansson’s legacy while opening a new chapter for these beloved creatures.
Source: Variety