‘Labubu’ movie in the works as Pop Mart and Sony team up to bring viral toy to the big screen
TOI GLOBAL | Mar 19, 2026, 21:12 IST
Pop Mart Partners Sony for Labubu Movie to Revive Fading Craze
Pop Mart and Sony Pictures are developing a live-action/CGI movie based on the viral Labubu toy. The film will be directed by Paul King and written with Steven Levenson. Labubu became popular worldwide through blind-box collectibles and celebrity endorsements, and the movie marks the next step in turning the toy into a global entertainment franchise.
A movie based on the viral Labubu toy is officially in development, with Pop Mart and Sony Pictures Entertainment teaming up to create a live-action and CGI hybrid film inspired by the popular collectible character.
According to reports, the project will be directed and produced by Paul King, known for Paddington, Paddington 2, and Wonka. King is also co-writing the screenplay with Steven Levenson, the award-winning writer behind Dear Evan Hansen. A release date for the movie has not been announced.
Sony reportedly secured the film rights to the character last year, but the official announcement confirms that the unusual toy phenomenon will now move from collectible shelves to movie theaters. The film is expected to combine live-action performances with computer-generated animation to bring the character to life.
Labubu is a monster-like toy with a large head, sharp teeth and wide eyes, often designed with furry textures and bright colors. The character was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung about a decade ago as part of a fantasy story universe known as The Monsters. Today, the toys are sold worldwide by Pop Mart and are especially popular in blind-box collections, where buyers do not know which version they will get until they open the package.
The collectible figures come in many styles, including seasonal costumes, food-themed versions and collaborations with well-known brands. The surprise element of blind boxes has helped make the toys highly sought-after among collectors.
Labubu saw a major surge in popularity in 2025 after celebrities began posting photos with the toys attached to handbags and backpacks. Among the stars linked to the trend are Simone Biles, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa, while Lisa previously described blind-box collectibles from Pop Mart as one of her favorite hobbies.
The growing celebrity attention helped push the toy into mainstream culture, turning Labubu into one of the most recognizable collectible figures in recent years.
The upcoming film reflects a growing trend in Hollywood of turning popular toys and collectibles into major movie projects. Studios have increasingly looked to existing fan bases when developing new franchises, and Labubu’s global popularity makes it a strong candidate for expansion into film, television and merchandise.
While story details remain secret, the involvement of Paul King suggests the movie may aim for a family-friendly tone similar to the Paddington films, which combined humor, fantasy and emotional storytelling.
With production still in early stages, fans will have to wait for casting news and a release date. But the announcement confirms that Labubu’s rise from niche collectible to worldwide trend is now heading for the big screen.
According to reports, the project will be directed and produced by Paul King, known for Paddington, Paddington 2, and Wonka. King is also co-writing the screenplay with Steven Levenson, the award-winning writer behind Dear Evan Hansen. A release date for the movie has not been announced.
Sony reportedly secured the film rights to the character last year, but the official announcement confirms that the unusual toy phenomenon will now move from collectible shelves to movie theaters. The film is expected to combine live-action performances with computer-generated animation to bring the character to life.
What is Labubu?
Labubu is a monster-like toy with a large head, sharp teeth and wide eyes, often designed with furry textures and bright colors. The character was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung about a decade ago as part of a fantasy story universe known as The Monsters. Today, the toys are sold worldwide by Pop Mart and are especially popular in blind-box collections, where buyers do not know which version they will get until they open the package.
The collectible figures come in many styles, including seasonal costumes, food-themed versions and collaborations with well-known brands. The surprise element of blind boxes has helped make the toys highly sought-after among collectors.
Viral popularity fueled by celebrities
Labubu saw a major surge in popularity in 2025 after celebrities began posting photos with the toys attached to handbags and backpacks. Among the stars linked to the trend are Simone Biles, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa, while Lisa previously described blind-box collectibles from Pop Mart as one of her favorite hobbies.
The growing celebrity attention helped push the toy into mainstream culture, turning Labubu into one of the most recognizable collectible figures in recent years.
From collectible craze to movie franchise
The upcoming film reflects a growing trend in Hollywood of turning popular toys and collectibles into major movie projects. Studios have increasingly looked to existing fan bases when developing new franchises, and Labubu’s global popularity makes it a strong candidate for expansion into film, television and merchandise.
While story details remain secret, the involvement of Paul King suggests the movie may aim for a family-friendly tone similar to the Paddington films, which combined humor, fantasy and emotional storytelling.
With production still in early stages, fans will have to wait for casting news and a release date. But the announcement confirms that Labubu’s rise from niche collectible to worldwide trend is now heading for the big screen.