In a move set to delight collectors and cinema-goers alike, Paul King, the acclaimed director behind the Paddington films and Wonka, has been tapped to helm a major new feature film based on the viral Labubu toy line for Sony Pictures.
From Blind Boxes to the Big Screen
The project follows Sony's acquisition of the screen rights last month, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. King will direct and produce the film alongside production companies Department M and Wenxin She. While anticipation is high, no plot details have been revealed, and it remains unclear whether the project will be a live-action or animated venture.
King's involvement signals major studio confidence in the property. His previous family-friendly hits, Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017), were critical darlings and collectively grossed over $500 million worldwide. His 2023 prequel Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet, further cemented his reputation, earning a staggering $600 million at the global box office.
The Global Phenomenon of Labubu
The furry monster characters, known as Labubus, were originally created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung in 2015. Inspired by Nordic myths for his story series The Monsters, the designs were later transformed into plush dolls by the toy company Pop Mart.
Characterised by their rabbit-like ears, large eyes and mischievously sharp teeth, Labubus are primarily sold via the "blind box" model. This means buyers purchase a sealed box without knowing which specific design they will receive, creating a thrilling element of chance and a booming secondary market.
The craze has been supercharged by celebrity endorsements. K-pop superstar Lisa from Blackpink showcased them as accessories in 2024, while Rihanna was seen with a lychee berry Labubu on her Louis Vuitton bag. Dua Lipa and Emma Roberts have also joined the trend, with Roberts sharing her blind box unboxing on Instagram.
A Cultural and Financial Juggernaut
The popularity of rare "secret edition" Labubus has created an astonishing collector's market. Earlier this summer, some figures were reportedly reselling for over $1,000 each, with a child-sized Labubu selling for approximately $150,000. This fervour has had a dramatic effect on Pop Mart's valuation, triggering a near 200% jump in its shares this year and briefly making it more valuable than toy giants Hasbro, Mattel and Sanrio combined.
In October, Pop Mart's executive director Si De outlined ambitious plans to expand the Labubu brand beyond toys into animation, theme parks, and merchandise. The Sony film is a cornerstone of this strategy. The brand's success has also spawned a wave of counterfeits, often called "Lafufus," commonly found on third-party sites and in local shops.
With Paul King at the creative helm, Sony is betting that the unique charm and global fanbase of these enigmatic creatures can translate into the next major family film franchise.
