Labubu film to make it to big screens

Paul King, best known for the Paddington films and Wonka, is set to helm a new film for Sony Pictures based on the popular Labubu toy line.

The Chinese-made furry monster toy dolls have become wildly popular as collectible accessories.

Last month, it was announced that Sony had secured the screen rights to develop a film based on the characters.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that King will be directing the film and producing it with Department M and Wenxin She.

All plot details have been kept wraps and it is still not stated whether the film will be live-action or animated.

King’s previous films include Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017), both of which were warmly received by critics and together grossed more than $500m worldwide.

He later directed Wonka (2023), a prequel exploring the origin story of the chocolate inventor starring Timothee Chalamet.

Labubus were originally created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung in 2015.

The creatures were inspired by Nordic myths, for his story series The Monsters, which were then turned into plush dolls marketed by the toy company Pop Mart.

Characterised by their rabbit-like ears, large eyes, and menacing-looking teeth, Labubus are commonly sold in “blind boxes” meaning the exact design is chosen at random and remains a mystery until it’s unwrapped.