Paul King, the director behind the hit Paddington films and Wonka, has been set to direct a film based on the popular Labubu plush toys. The project, currently in early development, comes after Sony Pictures acquired the screen rights to the Chinese toy sensation in November, following the global success of KPop Demon Hunters.
King began his career in British television, serving as associate director on Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace and directing all three seasons of The Mighty Boosh. He co-wrote and directed the critically acclaimed Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2, which together grossed nearly $500 million worldwide. His latest film, Wonka, the origin story of Willy Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet, earned $635 million globally. King also co-wrote and executive produced Paddington in Peru and is attached to direct a Disney film about Prince Charming with Chris Hemsworth in talks to star.
Labubus, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and initially produced by How2Work as monster figurines, gained popularity in Southeast Asia in 2019 after Chinese retailer Pop Mart began marketing them. Inspired by Nordic fairy tales, the dolls have become a social media phenomenon, with live unboxings and celebrity endorsements fueling demand. New editions sell out within minutes, and limited editions have fetched six figures at auction. Pop Mart’s profits reportedly surged 350% in the past year.
The Labubu film is the latest in a wave of toy-inspired movies following the $1 billion success of Barbie (2023). Sony and Mattel recently announced a film based on the View-Master toy. It remains unclear whether the Labubu film will be live-action or animated.
