Popular Chinese plush toys Labubu will soon appear on the big screen. Sony Pictures and Pop Mart have announced a collaboration on a live-action and CGI film that will bring beloved characters from collectible toys into the world of cinema.
The director and producer of the project will be Paul King, known for the films "Paddington," "Paddington 2," and "Wonka." King will also co-write the script alongside Steven Levenson, the author of the Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen" and the screenwriter of the film "Tick, Tick…Boom!".
The original creator of Labubu, Kasing Lung, will participate in the project as an executive producer. Lung started with a series of children's books inspired by Scandinavian folklore, and the character Labubu quickly became the most popular in the collection due to figurines and plush dolls. In 2019, Pop Mart began mass sales of toys, making Labubu known worldwide.
The film promises to combine elements of live action and animation while preserving the charm and character of the toys. According to the creators, the goal of the project is not only to entertain children but also to present Labubu as a full-fledged hero with its own personality and stories.
Paul King already has experience with hybrid films: "Paddington" and its sequel received high praise from audiences and critics for their blend of live actors and animation. Levenson will add dramatic depth and emotional moments, for which he is valued on Broadway and in film.
For Labubu fans, this is a chance to see their beloved characters in a new format, and for the creators, it is an opportunity to elevate the brand to a global level. The film is currently in development but is already generating interest among fans and film professionals.
Labubu continues its transformation from collectible toys into a cultural phenomenon, and now they are on the path to the big screen, where they can be loved by even more viewers around the world.
