Labubu film is official with Paddington director at the helm

Pop Mart and Sony Pictures are developing a live-action/CGI Labubu film, directed by Paul King (Paddington, Wonka). The film, announced in Paris during Labubu's 10th-anniversary global exhibition, has no set release date. Labubu, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, is a popular forest elf toy sold in blind boxes, contributing to Pop Mart's nearly $40 billion valuation. Lung will executive produce, while King will co-produce and develop the script with Steven Levenson. The movie aims to expand Pop Mart from a toy retailer into a broader entertainment brand, capitalizing on the character's popularity among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.

Pop Mart and Sony Pictures Entertainment are collaborating on a feature film starring Labubu, Pop Mart's popular character. The film, a mix of live action and CGI, is in early development and aims to expand Labubu's intellectual property. Labubu's creator, Lung Ka-sing, will be an executive producer. Paul King, known for "Wonka" and "Paddington," is attached to produce, direct, and co-write the script with Steven Levenson. The announcement was made during Pop Mart's global exhibition tour in Paris, celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Monsters, the series that introduced Labubu. Analysts view the film as a strategic move to support Pop Mart's medium-term growth, similar to other global icons.