Sony Pictures and Paul King to Develop Feature Film Based on Pop Mart’s Labubu Universe

The global cinematic landscape is preparing for a significant new entry as Sony Pictures officially moves forward with a feature-length film based on Labubu, the sensationally popular collectible character owned by Pop Mart International Group. Formally announced on March 19, 2026, this ambitious production is designed as a hybrid of live-action filmmaking and cutting-edge computer-generated imagery, aiming to successfully translate the intricate "The Monsters" universe to the big screen. Taking the helm is the BAFTA-nominated director Paul King, whose previous work on "Paddington" (2014), "Paddington 2" (2017), and "Wonka" (2023) has earned him a reputation for masterful family-oriented storytelling. King will not only direct the feature but will also contribute his creative voice as a co-writer for the screenplay.

To bolster the narrative depth of the film, King is collaborating with the acclaimed American playwright Steven Levenson, a Tony Award winner recognized for the book of the hit musical "Dear Evan Hansen." Ensuring that the transition from toy to film maintains its original spirit, the character's creator, Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, has joined the project as an executive producer. This cinematic endeavor is a clear indication of Pop Mart’s broader corporate strategy to transform the Labubu intellectual property into a massive global franchise, a move that many industry analysts compare to the ecosystem-building approach utilized by Disney. Based in Beijing, Pop Mart is aggressively diversifying its business interests, as evidenced by the recent opening of a major theme park in Beijing and the launch of a high-end jewelry retail network.

The character of Labubu, often depicted as a mischievous elf with a serrated smile and distinctively expressive features, was first introduced by Kasing Lung in his 2015 series of illustrated books titled "The Monsters." The brand's trajectory reached new heights in 2019 through a strategic partnership with Pop Mart, which catapulted the figures into the center of the international "blind box" collecting phenomenon. The character's viral popularity, frequently amplified by endorsements from global celebrities, contributed to a surge in the company's Hong Kong-listed stock, which reached a historic peak in August 2025. By the end of 2024, the "The Monsters" franchise had become a vital financial pillar for the company, generating approximately $430 million in revenue, which accounted for 23.3% of Pop Mart’s total income for that year.

The formal announcement of the film took place in Paris during the "The Monsters" 10th-anniversary global exhibition tour, marking a historic moment for the brand's international prestige. Labubu’s transition into the world of feature films reflects a wider industry trend of integrating characters from non-traditional origins into expansive, multi-platform media ecosystems. The sheer market value of the franchise was highlighted in June 2025 when a 1.2-meter Labubu figure was sold at an auction in Beijing for a staggering $170,000. Having already inspired a successful anime adaptation consisting of 156 short episodes, a full-length theatrical release represents the next logical step in monetizing the IP and securing its status as a global icon. As part of this international expansion, Pop Mart has also established London as its primary European headquarters. While the film is currently in the early stages of development, a specific premiere date has not yet been disclosed to the public.