Sony Taps Paul King for Labubu Film Adaptation

Sony Pictures has tapped acclaimed director Paul King to helm a feature film adaptation of Labubu, the wildly popular collectible toy line that has captivated global audiences as a fashion accessory and resale phenomenon. The project, announced in recent reports, marks the studio's push to bring the Chinese-designed monster dolls to the big screen in collaboration with Pop Mart, the brand's owner and manufacturer.

King, whose previous works include the Paddington films and the 2023 hit Wonka, will direct and produce the untitled project alongside Department M and producer Wenxin She. The film remains in early development, with no screenwriter attached and no production timeline set. Details on the plot are scarce, and it is unclear whether the adaptation will be live-action or animated. Sony acquired the screen rights to Labubu in November 2024, following the toy's explosive rise in popularity earlier that year.

Labubu originated in 2015 from the imagination of Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, who drew inspiration from Nordic folklore for his illustrated series The Monsters. The characters, featuring rabbit-like ears, large eyes, and sharp, playful teeth, evolved into plush...