McDonald’s collab with TMNT x Hello Kitty brings a Happy Meal anime legacy to life.
McDonald’s has unleashed a ninja-kawaii crossover with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) and Hello Kitty Happy Meal, set to launch August 12, 2025. This blend of pizza-loving turtles and bow-tied cuteness is the latest in McDonald’s pop culture playbook, teased in a neon-lit X post by McDonalds on July 31, 2025.
Fans are buzzing—even sharing cat-driving memes! How did the Golden Arches become an anime hotspot? Let’s dive in!
This collab rides the wave of back-to-school season’s 15% fast-food traffic boost, marking McDonald’s first major Sanrio toy tie-in after a 2024 licensing deal. With TMNT’s 40th anniversary in 2024 and Hello Kitty’s $50 million Puma collab in 2022, it’s a nostalgic treat. Grab your fries, and let’s explore!
The Collab That’s Sparking Joy
The TMNT x Hello Kitty Happy Meal, unveiled on X by @McDonalds, features Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo with Hello Kitty’s bow-tied charm, plus Sanrio pals like My Melody. The neon-drenched promo image, with a glowing McDonald’s box and “Coming 8.12” tease, screams anime flair, driving collector fever. @pudgypenguins asked if adults can join, and McDonald’s replied, “c u there”
This taps into a cross-franchise trend, following the 2023 Hello Kitty x Yu-Gi-Oh! Happy Meal that went global after an Asia debut. The TMNT drop, boosted by their 40th anniversary, blends ’90s nostalgia with Sanrio’s kawaii magic.
McDonald’s Anime Journey
McDonald’s anime roots run deep. The 2025 WcDonald’s campaign (February 26–March 18) brought spicy “WcNuggets” and manga shorts like “The Wisdom of the Sauce” (corporate.mcdonalds.com), plus artist grants. Japan’s 2024 Jujutsu Kaisen Happy Meal and Yo-kai Watch movie support show its anime ties. The 1997 Teenie Beanie Babies promotion, spiking U.S. sales by 20%, set the stage for these collectible hits.
Why This Collab Rocks
Launching August 12 during back-to-school season, this collab woos millennials (TMNT fans) and Gen Z (reboot lovers) with limited-edition toys. The 2024 Sanrio deal amplifies Hello Kitty’s North American reach, making this a cultural crossover star.
What’s Next?
Expect more anime tie-ins—maybe a Sailor Moon x Mickey Meal? McDonald’s could expand WcDonald’s seasonally.
Final Thoughts
The TMNT x Hello Kitty Happy Meal, dropping August 12, 2025, is a ninja-kawaii delight, blending McDonald’s anime legacy with pop culture flair. From Sanrio’s global rise to TMNT’s anniversary, it’s a collector’s dream. Which figurine are you grabbing? Share below!
Reported by Ivy Adams for Pirates & Princesses. Catch the Pirates & Princesses Podcast on Spotify. Subscribe for more!
Sources:
- Sanrio Collaboration History: Sanrio Collaboration History
- TMNT 40th Anniversary: TMNT 40th Anniversary
- Forbes: 2022 Puma x Hello Kitty Sales
- McDonaldsarchives.com: 1997 Teenie Beanie Babies Impact
- NRF: Back-to-School Dining Trends
- Variety: 2024 Sanrio Licensing Deal
- McDonalds X Post: TMNT x Hello Kitty Happy Meal Announcement
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