ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Labubu Collectible Dolls to Receive Hollywood Film Adaptation

publication · 2026-03-21

Sony Pictures and Chinese company Pop Mart are developing a live-action/animated film based on the Labubu collectible dolls. British director Paul King, known for 'Wonka' and 'Paddington,' is attached to direct. The Labubu characters were created over a decade ago by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and have grown from a niche Asian toy design into a global pop culture phenomenon, endorsed by celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Their popularity is fueled by blind box sales and social media. The film project represents a strategic move to expand the commercial franchise into cinematic storytelling, following a contemporary trend where successful toys generate narrative universes for film and streaming.

Key facts

  • Sony Pictures and Pop Mart are producing a film based on Labubu dolls.
  • British director Paul King is attached to direct the project.
  • Labubu characters were created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung over ten years ago.
  • The dolls have become global pop culture items, promoted by celebrities including Rihanna and Dua Lipa.
  • The film adaptation follows an industry trend where commercial toys inspire cinematic narratives.

Entities

Artists

  • Kasing Lung

Institutions

  • Sony Pictures
  • Pop Mart
  • Sony Pictures Entertainment

Locations

  • Hong Kong
  • Hollywood
  • China

Sources