Paul King to Bring Labubu Plush Toys to the Big Screen

Paul King, acclaimed director of the Paddington films and the Timothée Chalamet-led musical Wonka, has been tapped to direct a feature film based on the popular Labubu plush toys. Sony Pictures, following the international success of KPop Demon Hunters, acquired the rights to the Chinese toy phenomenon in November, with the project already in early development.

King’s career began in British television, where he worked as associate director on Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace and directed all three seasons of The Mighty Boosh. He made his mark in cinema with Paddington (2014) and its sequel Paddington 2, which he co-wrote and helped bring to global audiences, earning nearly $500 million. His more recent musical, Wonka, an origin story of Willy Wonka, was a critical and commercial hit, raking in $635 million worldwide. King also co-wrote and executive produced Paddington in Peru, the third film in the franchise, and is set to direct a Disney project centered on Prince Charming, with Chris Hemsworth in preliminary talks for the lead role, according to The Guardian.

Details about the Labubu film’s format remain under wraps, leaving it unclear whether it will be live-action or animated.

Labubu, created by Hong Kong-born European artist Kasing Lung, was first launched as a line of collectible monster figurines under How2Work and gained traction in Southeast Asia in 2019 through Chinese retailer Pop Mart. Lung, who drew inspiration from Nordic fairy tales, has seen his designs explode in popularity thanks to social media unboxing videos and celebrity endorsements. Limited editions of Labubu dolls have commanded six-figure prices at auction, and Pop Mart reports profits soaring 350% over the past year, with new releases selling out within minutes.

The Labubu project reflects Hollywood’s growing interest in toy-based films, reversing the traditional path from movie to merchandise. Following the $1 billion success of Barbie in 2023, studios are increasingly exploring films derived from toy brands. Sony’s move mirrors a broader trend, including its recent collaboration with Mattel on a film inspired by the View-Master toy, highlighting the lucrative potential of turning beloved collectibles into cinematic experiences.