Labubu dolls, the beloved collectibles from Pop Mart’s flagship “The Monster” line, are set to hit the big screen as the Chinese toy powerhouse joins forces with Sony Pictures.
This landmark collaboration not only elevates the franchise to new heights, providing Pop Mart with global exposure and Sony access to a popular Asian brand, but also underscores the growing influence of Asian-designed intellectual property in Hollywood.
According to Pop Mart, the film will bring the whimsical, “ugly-cute” world of Labubus to life with a hybrid format that combines live-action and CGI elements.
“The collaboration between Pop Mart and Sony Pictures marks a significant milestone.”
“It promises a unique cinematic experience with creative storytelling, artistic vision, and enduring global appeal,” Pop Mart said in a statement, as quoted by AFP.
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Labubu dolls’ path to icon status
Created by visionary Hong Kong artiste Kasing Lung in 2015, Labubus first gained momentum within the toy-collecting community in China.
The snaggle-toothed dolls were then showcased by BLACKPINK’s Lisa on her social media, instantly boosting their popularity globally, especially in Southeast Asia.
Other famous celebrities, such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian, were also spotted with Labubu items in 2024, sparking massive queues at Pop Mart stores around the world.
China’s small and fuzzy cultural ambassadors
The items soon became a cultural icon, with royalty like Thailand’s Princess Sirivannavari among notable figures wearing Labubu accessories.
Meanwhile, Pop Mart’s app topped the United States App Store shopping chart in April 2025 following the launch of Labubu 3.0.
Labubus also penetrated the Middle Eastern market after Pop Mart’s first official store opened at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, featuring a travel-exclusive collection and a Qatar-limited blanket with local motifs.
The company reported selling more than 100 million Labubu dolls worldwide last year, establishing them as furry ambassadors for China even in regions like Europe and North America, where attitudes toward Beijing have often been mixed.
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Creative powerhouse assembled
The new film will be directed by Paul King, known for Wonka, Paddington, and BBC comedy series The Mighty Boosh.
King will also co-produce and co-write the script with Steven Levenson, whose credits include the stage musical Dear Evan Hansen and the feature film Tick, Tick… Boom!
In bringing the cherished characters to the cinemas, the creative team is not only building on a phenomenal success story but also opening doors for more unique voices to shape the future of global entertainment.
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