Sony Pictures is developing a 'Labubu' movie?
What's the story
Sony Pictures is reportedly working on a feature movie based on the popular collectible toy, Labubu, reported The Hollywood Reporter. The studio has not revealed any details about the film's direction or format, and whether it will be live-action or animated remains unclear. The Labubu character was created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung in 2015 and has since gained immense popularity through releases by China-based retail giant Pop Mart.
Global phenomenon
Labubu dolls have taken the world by storm
The Labubu dolls have become a global sensation, with fans queuing outside stores and online auctions reaching a frenzy. Each character has been turned into merchandise through cross-brand collaborations and limited editions. The blind-box model of selling these dolls has further fueled their popularity and resale market value.
Fame and film prospects
Labubu's rise to fame and potential film characters
Labubu's rise to fame has been aided by celebrity endorsements from BLACKPINK's Lisa, Rihanna, David Beckham, and Kim Kardashian. The dolls have also become a luxury accessory, with new editions selling out on Pop Mart within minutes. Potential characters for the Labubu film include the titular character Labubu, fellow leader Zimomo, companion Mokoko, and boyfriend Tycoco, among others.
Toy-to-film trend
Hollywood's trend of turning toys into movies
A Labubu film would continue the recent trend of Hollywood adapting toys into films. The success of The LEGO Movie (2014) and Barbie (2023) has paved the way for this shift. Last week, Sony announced plans for a feature film based on Mattel's View-Master. This trend marks a reversal in the traditional Hollywood merchandise pipeline, where films inspired toys, now toys inspire movies.