China’s viral Labubu dolls are getting a live-action CGI film from Sony Pictures and Pop Mart, aiming to capitalise on the global toy craze
BEIJING: The snaggle-toothed Labubu doll phenomenon is heading to the big screen. Toy maker Pop Mart has announced a co-production with Sony Pictures for a live-action and CGI hybrid film.
The project, still in early development, was unveiled in Paris by creator Kasing Lung and director Paul King. King, known for “Wonka” and “Paddington”, will co-write the script with Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson.
Pop Mart stated the film aims to bring “Labubu’s whimsical world to the big screen”. The company hopes to leverage the character’s massive global popularity.
Created in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu sparked an international craze by 2024. The “ugly-cute” characters have been spotted with celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa.
Fans often queue for hours at Pop Mart’s over 600 stores worldwide. The dolls are typically sold in “blind boxes” for around $40, with rare variants fetching thousands.
Pop Mart sold more than 100 million Labubu dolls globally last year. Chinese officials have hailed their success as evidence of the country’s growing cultural soft power.
The characters have become furry ambassadors for a “cool” China in markets like Europe and North America. The film collaboration is seen as a significant milestone for the brand.
“I think they’re so cute,” said Canadian tourist Vivian Jia at a Shanghai flagship store. She spent over 400 yuan on a figure to display in Vancouver.
Jia added she looks forward to watching the movie with her children. She noted that her friends’ kids are also fans of the dolls.
Some fans, however, expressed concern about market saturation. Brazilian collector Camilla Pinheiro suggested a film about lesser-known Pop Mart lines like Peach Riot.
“The whole (Labubu) fever, it was kind of intense,” Pinheiro said. She worries the trend may fade before the movie’s release.
No release date for the film has been announced. The project promises a unique cinematic experience with global appeal.