Ryan's World is coming to a theater near you

Ryan's World The Movie: Titan Universe Adventure is set to blast into theaters on August 16th, marking an exciting new chapter in creator-driven entertainment. This 80-minute action-comedy, a unique blend of live-action and anime-inspired animation by Shin-Ei studio, is the first wide-release theatrical movie from a YouTube creator.

Join the Kaji family and a star-studded cast of your favorite YouTube creators, like the GEM Sisters, magician Dan Rhodes, and The Stella Show, as they journey through the Titan Universe. And get ready to jam out to a soundtrack packed with music from creators like Qai Qai, Pentatonix, and more.

This movie is just the latest in a string of groundbreaking achievements for Ryan's World. From Emmy nominations to a billion-dollar toy line, Ryan's World is a trailblazer in the creator economy. We spoke to Ryan about his journey on YouTube, his new movie, and what’s next.

Can you tell us a little bit about your journey on YouTube? How did you and your family get started?

I always liked watching YouTube videos and would ask my mom to please let me make videos. At first my mom started our channel as a way to keep in touch with family and friends who lived far away, and we couldn’t believe it when one of my unboxing videos got so popular. That video has over 50M views today, and it was the start of something we just never could have dreamed of.

Throughout the years, your content has really grown. Beyond your signature toy reviews, you’ve vlogged, done science experiments, worked on merchandise, games, etc. How do you decide what you want to try next?

I’ve always really enjoyed making videos for my channel because it’s always been so much fun to spend time with my family. My mom used to be a science teacher so she has probably a billion ideas for science experiments that my sisters and I get to do with her. We also love doing funny family skits together with my parents and twin kid sisters.

Why did you and your team decide to make a movie?

It’s always been my dream to make a movie for movie theaters, but of course I never knew if it would be possible. Over the last few years I’ve made TV shows that you could watch on Nickelodeon, Hulu, Roku, and other places, and as more fans fell in love with those shows it felt like the dream was getting closer, and we partnered with pocket.watch to bring the movie to life!

What about the filming process was similar to making your regular videos and what was different?

Even though some of my videos are pretend, they’re actually closer to real life. It’s usually me, my mom, my dad, and sisters and an iPhone, and we’re actually playing or going to different places and only recording once. The movie was so different. The character is based on me, but there was a script, and a huge crew with so many cameras, and lighting, and locations, and working with other creators in new ways. I had to study my lines, and really think about the scene. I had some experience like this with my TV show, Ryan’s Mystery Playdate, but this was way bigger. I was actually really impressed with how well my younger sisters did on set too. They’ve never done anything like this before and it just seemed to come so naturally to them.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned through the process of starring in Ryan’s World: Titan Universe Adventure?

Patience! The process takes longer with the script, lighting and all of the people helping out, and you don't actually see what the movie looks like until way later on. I also learned how to order the best ice cream sundae from craft services.

What are you most excited for your fans to see in the film?

I’m so excited for people to see this movie! And if they love it and want more, I would want to do it again. The animation in this movie is really, really cool. I also got to be in scenes with awesome creators like Dan Rhodes and Evangeline. Evangeline has experience acting, and I really learned a lot from her. Dan’s magic tricks are mind blowing. I wish I learned more of them but I still can’t figure out how he does so many of the things he does. I’m excited for fans to see magic, our friendships, and my family having a great time together.

Do you have any fun behind-the-scenes stories or moments you can share with us?

At the end of the movie there is a huge water balloon fight with me, my sisters, and Evangeline’s character, Aiden. Prepping for the water fight was hilarious. Our director Albie really wanted to get us in the right mindset and had us practice throwing water balloons at him -- it was really funny.

In the next 5 years, what’s the next goal you want to achieve?

I’m having a lot of fun doing this with my family, and I want to keep doing it all. My parents really help me do the activities that are interesting to me and my sisters. This year we’ve been getting really into snowboarding and skateboarding, so maybe content will show some of that, or whatever my interests are in 5 years.

What do you think has been the secret to your success and longevity on YouTube?

Sometimes I can’t believe it, and I’m so thankful that being a YouTube creator is giving me the chance to do other things that I really like. I hope people see how much fun I’m having on my channel, and it makes them want to have fun with their families too. I think if you really like something, you just put your whole heart into it and have a great time, and hope that you can achieve your goals.