Sony Pictures Developing Film based on Popular Toy Line labubu
Sony Pictures has acquired the screen rights to Labubu, the plush toy line featuring uniquely designed monster characters, with plans to develop a film and potential franchise. The deal was finalized this week, but no producer or filmmaker is currently attached to the project, and the format – live-action or animated – remains undecided.Sony declined to comment.
Labubu was originally designed by hong Kong-born, European-based artist Kasing Lung and initially produced by How2 Work as part of a line of monster figurines. Popularity surged after Chinese retailer Pop Mart began manufacturing and distributing the toys in 2019.
The brand’s success is attributed to Pop Mart’s “blind box” sales strategy, creating demand and a robust secondary market where limited-edition dolls can fetch six-figure prices. Celebrity endorsements, notably from Blackpink member Lisa in 2024, further fueled the toys’ global rise, initially in Southeast Asian markets and then worldwide. pop Mart reported a 350 percent profit increase earlier in 2024.
Labubu is the name of the lead character, with Zimomo, Mokoko, and Tycoco among other figures in the line.
The move reflects a recent trend in Hollywood of adapting toy brands for the big screen, following successes like The Lego Movie (2014) and Barbie (2023), which grossed over $1 billion globally and received eight Oscar nominations.This week, Sony and Mattel films also announced a feature film based on View Master.
