The wildly popular Labubu doll is headed to the big screen. Sony Pictures and Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart have officially announced they are co-developing a live-action and CGI hybrid film based on the character, marking a significant expansion of the “Monsters” toy franchise. The project, confirmed on Thursday, will be directed and co-written by Paul King, the filmmaker behind the critically acclaimed “Paddington” films and the recent “Wonka,” alongside screenwriter Steven Levenson.
The news arrives as Pop Mart continues to capitalize on the global appeal of Labubu, a fuzzy, wide-eyed monster with a distinctive toothy grin. Even as the character initially gained traction within the collectible toy community, its popularity surged in 2025, fueled by a thriving resale market. The announcement signals a strategic move by Pop Mart to deepen engagement with its intellectual property through storytelling.
The Labubu film was officially unveiled at an event in Paris celebrating the 10th anniversary of Pop Mart’s “Monsters” universe. King and Kasing Lung, the artist who created Labubu, reportedly appeared together at the event, according to reports. Details regarding the plot remain under wraps, but the film is expected to bring the playful world of Labubu to life through a blend of live-action and computer-generated imagery.
A History of the Monster
Kasing Lung first created Labubu and the broader “Monsters” world in 2015 as part of a series of picture books. However, the character’s widespread popularity didn’t take off until Pop Mart acquired the license. Since then, Labubu has turn into a coveted collectible, attracting a global fanbase that includes celebrities and enthusiasts alike. The dolls are often released as “blind boxes,” adding an element of surprise to the purchasing experience. According to Pop Mart data, products from “The Monsters” series accounted for 34.7% of the company’s revenue in the first half of 2025, making it a key driver of sales.
The Labubu craze experienced a peak in the summer of 2025, with prices on the secondary market skyrocketing. However, as Pop Mart increased production to meet demand, resale prices began to stabilize, a trend the company anticipated would ultimately benefit their business, as reported by CNBC.
Filmmaking Expertise Behind the Project
Paul King’s involvement brings a proven track record of family-friendly, visually appealing filmmaking to the project. He is best known for directing both “Paddington” films, which were praised for their heartwarming stories and charming aesthetic, and the 2023 musical “Wonka,” starring Timothée Chalamet. Alongside King, Michael Schaefer, who worked on “The Martian,” and Wenxin She, known for “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” will serve as producers. Notably, Kasing Lung will also be involved as an executive producer, ensuring the film remains true to the spirit of his creation.
Steven Levenson, co-writing the script with King, is a Tony Award-winning writer for his function on the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” He also penned the screenplay for the film “Tick, Tick… Boom!” and has contributed to television series such as “Masters of Sex,” bringing a diverse range of storytelling experience to the Labubu adaptation.
The move to adapt Labubu for the screen follows a similar path taken by the blockbuster “Barbie” film, demonstrating a growing trend of bringing popular toy franchises to life on the big screen. The success of “Barbie” has undoubtedly paved the way for other toy properties to explore cinematic adaptations, and Sony Pictures is hoping to replicate that success with the Labubu film.
While a release date for the Labubu movie has not yet been announced, the project is currently in early development. Further updates regarding casting, plot details, and production timelines are expected to be released by Sony Pictures and Pop Mart in the coming months. Fans of the character can stay tuned for more information as the film progresses toward its eventual debut.
The Labubu film represents a significant step for Pop Mart as it seeks to expand its brand beyond the collectible toy market and establish a stronger presence in the entertainment industry. The partnership with Sony Pictures provides the company with the resources and expertise needed to bring its beloved character to a wider audience, potentially solidifying Labubu’s status as a global cultural icon.
