After taking over toy shelves and fashion accessories around the world, the famous snaggle-toothed Labubu dolls are about to make an even bigger move. Pop Mart has officially announced a collaboration with Sony Pictures to bring the beloved characters to cinemas.
The upcoming project, currently in early development, will be a live-action and CGI hybrid film that brings the mischievous plush creatures to life in a whole new way. While details remain limited, the announcement alone has already excited fans of the quirky characters.
Labubu was created in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, but the dolls didn’t explode globally until years later. Their signature “ugly-cute” look quickly became a fashion statement, popping up on handbags carried by celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa. The craze has been so intense that Pop Mart stores worldwide often see long queues whenever new releases drop.
Part of the appeal lies in how the dolls are sold. Labubu figures usually come in blind boxes, meaning buyers don’t know which version they’ll get until they open it. This element of surprise has turned collecting into a thrill, especially since some rare editions can resell for thousands of dollars.
The numbers behind the craze are massive. Pop Mart reportedly sold over 100 million Labubu dolls worldwide last year alone. Beyond being toys, the characters have become symbols of modern Chinese pop culture, gaining fans across Europe, North America, and beyond.
The film project was revealed in Paris by Kasing Lung alongside director Paul King, known for family favorites like Wonka and Paddington. King will co-write the script with award-winning playwright Steven Levenson, promising a story that blends fantasy, humor, and heart.
Pop Mart says the movie will bring Labubu’s whimsical universe to life with imaginative storytelling and strong visual appeal, aiming for global audiences. With more than 600 Pop Mart stores across over 30 countries, the brand’s international reach gives the film a ready-made fan base.
A release date has not yet been announced, but one thing is clear: Labubu is no longer just a collectible toy. The toothy icon is stepping into mainstream entertainment, and fans will soon see the mischievous character in an entirely new light.
