Sony to produce Labubu movie, report says

Sony is bringing Labubu to the big screen, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter. The film studio has sealed a deal to produce a movie based on the popular dolls that have ignited a global cult following.

The film is in the early stages of development and it remains undecided whether it will be an animation or live action. No actors or directors have yet been named as part of the project. Sony, home to the Jumanji franchise and animated titles such as K-Pop Demon Hunters, has not yet commented on the deal.

Labubu, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, debuted in 2015 but only exploded into mainstream fame in recent years. Chinese toy brand Pop Mart acquired the production and distribution rights in 2019 and helped scale the figurine beyond its niche following. Its real breakout moment came when Blackpink’s Lisa was spotted using the characters as high-fashion keychains, and catapulted the toy from cult curiosity to coveted collector’s item.

Labubu's popularity thrives on scarcity-driven hype driven by a secondary resale market, where rare editions can fetch thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, limited edition artworks and collaborations have crossed six figures at auctions.

Its 'blind box' business model, where fans don't know which dolls they're getting until they open their boxes, fuels repeat purchases and a collecting frenzy. This means booming business for Pop Mart, with revenue increasing 204% YoY to US$1.9 billion (13.88 billion yuan) in H1 2025.

For Sony, Labubu's crossover appeal echoes successful global franchises that span toys, animation, and merchandise. The Lego Movie, for instance, bridged the worlds of retail and Hollywood with a breakout box office hit in 2014. Nearly a decade later, the Barbie film turned one of the world's most famous dolls into a cultural juggernaut, grossing over $1 billion globally and boosting sales for Mattel.