Sony Pictures has acquired the screen rights to Labubu, the popular Chinese toyline known for its scruffy and cute monster figurines, with plans to develop a feature film. The deal, signed this week, could mark the beginning of a new franchise, though details about the director, producer, or whether the project will be animated or live-action have not yet been revealed.
Labubu was created by Hong Kong-born, Europe-based artist Kasing Lung and initially produced by How2 Work. The toys gained immense popularity after Chinese retailer Pop Mart began manufacturing them in 2019. The brand’s “blind box” sales model encourages collectors to buy multiple toys without knowing which figure they will receive, creating a booming secondary market. Limited edition Labubu figures have even fetched six-figure prices at auctions.
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Celebrity endorsements have further elevated Labubu’s profile, with K-pop star Lisa of Blackpink using the toys as accessories in 2024, boosting global recognition. The toyline features characters like Labubu, the leader Zimomo, companion Mokoko, and boyfriend Tycoco. Pop Mart reported a 350% increase in profits earlier this year, highlighting the brand’s growing international appeal.
The Labubu movie follows a recent trend of adapting toys into films rather than the reverse, following in the footsteps of successful franchises like The Lego Movie and Barbie. Industry insiders are closely watching to see if Labubu can achieve similar box office success.
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Sony Pictures has not yet announced the creative team or release schedule, but the project represents a significant step toward bringing the collectible toy phenomenon to movie audiences worldwide.