That Labubu wave you kept seeing is picking up again — and this time it has Sony Pictures behind it.
The collectible character that took over timelines is officially heading to the big screen. A Labubu movie is in development at Sony Pictures in partnership with Pop Mart, the company behind the blind-box figures, with major creative names already attached and a clear direction in place.
The Labubu Movie Is Official
Sony Pictures and Pop Mart confirmed the project publicly in March 2026, with the announcement made by Labubu creator Kasing Lung and director Paul King at the Paris stop of Pop Mart's "The Monsters" global exhibition tour, marking the franchise's 10th anniversary.
This is a full feature film in active development — not a concept or early pitch. The project is a live-action and CGI hybrid, and the key creative team is already in place.
Paul King Is Directing — and Co-Writing
The film will be directed by Paul King, known for Paddington, Paddington 2, and Wonka.
King will also produce and co-write the screenplay, giving him a deeper creative stake in how the story is built. His past work is known for richly detailed worlds and expressive characters with genuine heart — exactly the kind of tone Labubu calls for.
Producers on the project are King, Michael Schaefer (The Martian), and Wenxin She (Wish Dragon, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood). Brittany Morrissey will oversee the project for Sony Pictures.
Steven Levenson Joins as Co-Writer
Steven Levenson is attached to co-write the film alongside King. Levenson is known for Dear Evan Hansen (Tony nomination), Tick, Tick… Boom! (WGA nomination), and FX's Fosse/Verdon (Emmy nomination).
His involvement adds strong narrative credibility and theatrical sensibility to the project — a signal that the studio is building this as a genuine film, not a merchandising exercise.
From Collectible Craze to Global Recognition
Labubu was created by artist Kasing Lung and gained global attention through Pop Mart's blind-box releases. The format — where buyers don't know which character variant they'll receive — turned Labubu into a must-have among collectors.
That demand spread fast through social media and celebrity attention, placing the character in front of a far wider audience than traditional collectibles reach. What started as a niche designer toy became one of the most recognizable figures in contemporary pop culture.
Kasing Lung will serve as executive producer on the film, ensuring the character's original identity stays central to the adaptation.
Why This Move Makes Sense
Labubu already has a built-in audience, strong brand recognition, and a clear visual identity — exactly what studios look for when developing IP-based films.
The collaboration between Sony and Pop Mart keeps the original creative voice intact while expanding into a new format. With Paul King directing, co-writing, and producing alongside Steven Levenson, the project has the creative foundation to go well beyond a simple toy tie-in.
The Labubu movie marks a new chapter for a character that already holds global attention. More updates around casting and release are expected as development progresses.
