Sony Pictures to Develop Film Based on Collectible Toy Labubu
Los Angeles – The booming world of collectible toys is heading to Hollywood! Sony Pictures has announced a deal to develop a film based on Labubu,the hugely popular character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. While the project is in early progress – with no director, producer, or format yet determined – the news signals a major leap for the “art toy” phenomenon into mainstream entertainment.
Sony Pictures aims to build a film franchise around labubu, capitalizing on the character’s dedicated global fanbase and the surging popularity of collectible figures. The studio has acquired the rights to The Monsters, the figure line featuring Labubu, wich has cultivated a strong following across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The Hollywood Reporter confirms Sony’s intention to transform Labubu into a valuable intellectual property with potential for expansion across multiple platforms.
labubu originated as an independent art figure designed by Kasing Lung and initially produced by How2Work. Its popularity skyrocketed in 2019 when Chinese company Pop Mart began featuring the character in its signature “surprise boxes” – a sales model where buyers don’t know which figure they’ll receive until opening the package. This approach fueled demand and created a thriving secondary market, with limited and rare editions selling for thousands of dollars.
Pop Mart reports a profit increase of over 350% in early 2024, driven by international growth and the intense demand for collectible figures. Labubu’s visibility further increased with celebrity endorsements, notably Blackpink’s Lisa, who incorporated the figures into her personal style, transforming Labubu from a collector’s item into a cultural icon representing design, pop culture, and digital trends.
Industry experts see this deal as a pivotal moment for art toys,a sector that has rapidly evolved from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon. With Sony leading the charge,Labubu could potentially follow the path of triumphant toy-based franchises like Barbie and Transformers,adapting into cinematic stories for audiences of all ages. Details remain scarce, but fans are already buzzing with speculation about potential storylines and collaborations.
