Sony Pictures and Pop Mart have confirmed that a Labubu film is in early development with Paddington filmmaker Paul King to direct.
King will also produce the film and co-write the screenplay with Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, known for Dear Evan Hansen and Showtime’s Masters of Sex.
The furry monster toy dolls were originally created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung as part of a whimsical collection of characters called The Monsters, and inspired by Dutch and Nordic folklore.
The characters were turned into plush dolls by the Chinese company Pop Mart, which runs stores across the world, including the US and the UK. They usually come in “blind boxes”, each containing a randomly chosen toy, meaning you won’t know which Labubu character or colour you are getting until you open it.
Defined by rabbit-like ears, wide eyes, and a slightly menacing, toothy grin, a Labubu’s appeal lies in its deliberately “ugly-cute” aesthetic.
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The feature film was announced in Paris, during a stop on The Monsters’ 10th anniversary exhibition tour, where Lung introduced the character in person alongside King.
The Hollywood Reporter first revealed last year that Sony had secured the screen rights to develop a film based on Labubus and that King would direct.
The film will be a mixture of live‑action and CGI but no plot details have been shared yet. According to a statement from Pop Mart and Sony, the collaboration promises “a unique cinematic experience with creative storytelling, artistic vision and enduring global appeal”.
Labubus first saw a massive surge in popularity after fans spotted K-pop star and Blackpink member Lisa using the plush toys as accessories in 2024. Soon, celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and NBA star Dillon Brooks were seen with the toys.
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In addition to its standard designs, Pop Mart sells the so-called “secret edition” Labubus, which are especially rare and sought-after by collectors. These have fuelled a booming secondary market. Last year, Labubus were reportedly reselling for more than $1,000 each, with a child-sized Labubu selling for more than $150,000.
Counterfeit versions, commonly referred to as “Lafufus”, are becoming increasingly common on third-party sites and can be found in corner shops and local supermarkets as well.
In October, PopMart’s executive director Si De said the company intended to leverage Labubu beyond toy sales, with plans for animation, theme parks, content collaborations, and merchandise expansion.
Labubu’s global appeal has already had a significant financial impact, triggering a nearly 200 per cent jump in Pop Mart’s shares this year and briefly making the company more valuable than fellow toy makers Hasbro, Mattel, and Sanrio combined.
