Labubu Furry Monster Film Directed by Paddington's Paul King 'In Early Development'
Sony Pictures and Pop Mart have officially confirmed that a feature film based on the Labubu furry monster toy dolls is in its early stages of development. The project will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul King, best known for his work on the beloved Paddington films. King will also serve as a producer and co-write the screenplay alongside Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, whose credits include Dear Evan Hansen and Showtime's Masters of Sex.
Origins and Global Appeal of the Labubu Character
The Labubu characters were originally created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung as part of a whimsical collection called The Monsters, drawing inspiration from Dutch and Nordic folklore. Chinese company Pop Mart transformed these designs into plush dolls, which are sold worldwide in stores across the US, UK, and other regions. Typically packaged in "blind boxes," each container holds a randomly selected toy, adding an element of surprise for collectors who may not know which Labubu character or colour variant they will receive until opening it.
Defined by rabbit-like ears, wide eyes, and a slightly menacing, toothy grin, Labubu's appeal lies in its deliberately "ugly-cute" aesthetic. The feature film was announced in Paris during a stop on The Monsters' 10th anniversary exhibition tour, where Lung personally introduced the character alongside King. According to a joint statement from Pop Mart and Sony, the collaboration promises "a unique cinematic experience with creative storytelling, artistic vision and enduring global appeal."
Surge in Popularity and Celebrity Endorsements
Labubu first experienced a massive surge in global popularity after fans spotted K-pop star and Blackpink member Lisa using the plush toys as accessories in 2024. This celebrity endorsement quickly sparked a trend, with high-profile figures such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and NBA star Dillon Brooks also seen with the toys. The phenomenon has significantly boosted Pop Mart's financial standing, triggering a nearly 200 per cent jump in the company's shares this year and briefly making it more valuable than major toy makers Hasbro, Mattel, and Sanrio combined.
Collector's Market and Future Expansion Plans
In addition to standard designs, Pop Mart sells highly sought-after "secret edition" Labubus, which are especially rare and have fuelled a booming secondary market. Last year, reports indicated that Labubus were reselling for over $1,000 each, with a child-sized Labubu doll fetching more than $150,000. However, this popularity has also led to an increase in counterfeit versions, commonly referred to as "Lafufus," which are becoming increasingly common on third-party sites and in local shops.
Looking ahead, Pop Mart's executive director Si De stated in October that the company intends to leverage the Labubu brand beyond toy sales, with plans for animation, theme parks, content collaborations, and merchandise expansion. The Hollywood Reporter first revealed last year that Sony had secured the screen rights to develop a film based on Labubus, with King set to direct. While no plot details have been shared yet, the film will be a mixture of live-action and CGI, aiming to capture the quirky charm of the original characters.
