Sony Acquires Labubu Film Rights for Movie

Sony Pictures has acquired the film rights to Labubu, the popular line of plush monster dolls originating from China, with plans to develop a feature film that could launch a broader franchise. The deal, finalized this week, marks the latest instance of a toy brand transitioning to the big screen, though no producers, directors or format details have been announced.

The project remains in early stages, and Sony has not confirmed whether the movie will be live-action or animated. The studio's animation division, responsible for recent successes including "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" and "KPop Demon Hunters," may play a role, but specifics are unavailable. Potential story elements could draw from characters like Labubu, the line's lead figure, along with Zimomo, Mokoko and Tycoco.

Labubu dolls were created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, who drew inspiration from Nordic folklore during his childhood in the Netherlands. First introduced in Lung's 2015 book series "The Monsters," the sharp-toothed, furry creatures debuted as figurines produced by How2Work. Their popularity surged in 2019 after Chinese retailer Pop Mart began manufacturing and selling them, primarily...