Labubu Movie: Pop Mart & Sony Pictures Team Up for Film

The hugely popular Labubu dolls are headed to the big screen, with Pop Mart and Sony Pictures Entertainment announcing a co-development deal for a live-action and computer-generated animation feature film, according to a statement released this week.

The project, currently in early development, will be directed by Paul King, the filmmaker behind the recent success Wonka and the beloved Paddington films. King will also co-produce and develop the script alongside Steven Levenson, known for his work on Dear Evan Hansen and Tick, Tick… Boom!

Labubu, created over a decade ago by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, originated as a character within Lung’s book series, The Monsters. The dolls gained global recognition in recent years, becoming a coveted collectible item and driving Pop Mart’s growth into a toy-making giant valued at nearly $40 billion, surpassing established companies like Mattel.

The Labubu craze has been fueled by the company’s signature “blind box” sales model, where customers purchase sealed packages without knowing which specific Labubu character they will receive. This element of surprise, combined with the dolls’ distinctive, often described as “ugly-cute,” aesthetic, has attracted a dedicated following, including celebrities like Rihanna and Lisa from the K-pop group Blackpink, who have been photographed with Labubu charms on their designer handbags.

Pop Mart’s success with Labubu has extended beyond toy sales, with the company operating a theme park in Beijing and now venturing into film production. According to data provided by Pop Mart, “The Monsters” series, which includes Labubu, accounted for 34.7% of the company’s revenue in the first half of 2025, making it the most significant contributor to their earnings.

The film announcement was made during a global exhibition tour celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Labubu toys in Paris. Kasing Lung will serve as an executive producer on the project, bringing his creative vision to the adaptation. Pop Mart intends to leverage the film to deepen engagement with its intellectual property, stating they aim to use “storytelling to help people fall in love with these IPs more deeply.”

Chinese authorities have highlighted the success of Pop Mart and Labubu as evidence of the country’s growing cultural influence. Pop Mart currently operates over 600 physical stores across more than 30 countries and regions.