Sony is teaming up with filmmaker Paul King to bring the wildly popular Labubu collectibles to cinema screens, as per a report on The Hollywood Reporter. It marks the Paddington and Wonka director’s latest venture into whimsical, creature-driven worlds. The project, which is still in its early stages, comes just weeks after the studio secured the rights to adapt the global figurine phenomenon. A writer has yet to be attached.
King will produce alongside Department M, known for The Christophers and the upcoming Hand That Rocks the Cradle remake, and Wenxin She, whose credits include Wish Dragon and A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood. Sony is collaborating closely with Pop Mart, the Chinese retailer that helped propel Labubu from niche art toy to international craze.
Created by Hong Kong–born, Europe-based artist Kasing Lung and originally manufactured by How2Work, the creatures found a new life in 2019 when Pop Mart began producing and distributing them. Their rise was gradual, but two forces eventually pushed Labubu into the cultural stratosphere. Pop Mart’s “blind box” sales strategy, where buyers only discover which figure they’ve purchased after unboxing, sparked massive demand and an intense resale economy. Some limited-edition designs have reached six-figure prices in auctions, pop-up markets, and online listings.
The craze intensified further when celebrities embraced the toys, most notably Blackpink’s Lisa, who was frequently seen with various Labubu figures throughout 2024. Within the franchise, Labubu stands as the signature character among a lineup that includes leader Zimomo, companion Mokoko, and boyfriend Tycoco.
King’s involvement adds notable pedigree to the project. The filmmaker is celebrated for shaping the beloved Paddington films, which brought him BAFTA nominations and widespread affection for their charm and emotional warmth, and he recently directed the box-office hit Wonka, which amassed $635 million worldwide. He also co-wrote and executive-produced Paddington in Peru.