Labubu is Heading to the Big Screen: Sony Pictures Jumps on the Toy Trend!

Your favorite cute-ugly monster dolls, Labubu, are officially getting a movie from Sony Pictures, hot on the heels of other toy-to-film blockbusters. Get ready to see those adorable, mischievous faces on the silver screen!

TL;DR: The Labubu Cinematic Universe is (Potentially) Brewing

• Sony Pictures has acquired the development rights to create a film based on the wildly popular Labubu toy line.
• The project is in very early stages; no director, writers, or actors have signed on yet, and it's unclear if it will be live-action or animated.
• This move is part of a growing Hollywood trend where studios are adapting successful toys into major motion pictures, following the massive successes of films like Barbie and The Lego Movie.

What's the Latest Scoop on the Labubu Movie Project?

Picture this: a collector, heart pounding, rips open a "blind box" in hopes of finding that elusive, ultra-rare Labubu figure. Now, imagine that same thrill, but on a massive cinema screen. That dream could soon be a reality, as Sony Pictures has officially secured the development rights to bring the viral Labubu monster dolls to the big screen. The Hollywood Reporter first broke this exciting news on November 14, 2025. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter, "Labubu Plush Toy Line to Get Film Adaptation at Sony Pictures", November 14, 2025)

While the news is fresh and certainly buzz-worthy, it's important to temper expectations just a tad. This project is in its infancy. We're talking "seed planted, not yet sprouted" territory. Right now, there are no directors, writers, or actors attached to the film. Sony has just picked up the screen rights, and a timeline for its release is still very much up in the air, according to multiple outlets. (Source: Forbes Staff, "Labubus Could Hit The Big Screen—Sony Strikes Deal To Develop Film Based On Popular Toy", November 14, 2025)

Will the Labubu Film Be Live-Action, Animated, or Something Else Entirely?

One of the biggest questions swirling around this announcement is the format: will Labubu leap onto screens as a live-action spectacle, a vibrant animated adventure, or perhaps even a blend of both? At this early stage, even that detail remains undecided. The cute-ugly aesthetic of Labubu dolls, with their big anime eyes and pointy teeth, certainly lends itself well to animation, a field where Sony Pictures Animation has a strong track record, fresh off the success of films like KPop Demon Hunters. (Source: ComicBook.com, "Sony's KPop Demon Hunters Success May Be Setting Up Its Next Big Franchise")

However, a live-action approach with CGI characters, similar to Detective Pikachu, isn't out of the realm of possibility either. The decision will likely depend on the creative vision that eventually takes shape for the film, and the studio's desire to kickstart a successful franchise, which is definitely on their minds if the movie is a hit.

Unpacking the Cultural Phenomenon of Labubu Dolls

So, why Labubu? If you're not familiar with these quirky characters, you might be wondering about the sudden leap to Hollywood. Labubu dolls, designed by Hong Kong-born, European-based artist Kasing Lung, were first introduced as part of "The Monsters" series in 2015. Lung's inspiration reportedly came from Nordic fairytales after he moved to the Netherlands as a child. (Source: The Guardian, "Labubu toy movie with potential to anchor franchise in the works at Sony", November 14, 2025)

Their meteoric rise to global fame, however, really took off in 2019 when Chinese retailer Pop Mart took over their manufacturing and sales. Pop Mart's genius "blind box" strategy, where buyers don't know which specific doll they're getting until they open the package, created a frenzy. This sparked a superheated secondary market, with collectors paying exorbitant amounts online and at pop-up sales for rare editions. Limited edition artworks and auctions have seen Labubu items fetch prices as high as six figures. Pop Mart's profits reportedly soared by 350% earlier this year, a clear indicator of the brand's immense draw. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter, "Labubu Plush Toy Line to Get Film Adaptation at Sony Pictures", November 14, 2025)

Celebrity endorsements also played a huge role. K-pop sensation Blackpink member Lisa, among other stars like Dua Lipa and Rihanna, helped catapult Labubu into a fashion accessory, often seen clipped onto handbags. This made Labubu not just a toy, but a "social currency" and a new "luxury" item, driving its popularity from Southeast Asia to the rest of the world. The characters in the Labubu line include the lead monster doll Labubu, companion Mokoko, leader Zimomo, and boyfriend Tycoco, offering a built-in ensemble for a potential film.

Hollywood's New Gold Rush: Why Studios Are Adapting More Toys into Movies

Labubu isn't an isolated case; it's the latest example of a significant shift in Hollywood. Where films once inspired toy lines, we're now seeing the reverse. Studios are increasingly greenlighting Movies based on popular toys and games, a trend largely fueled by immense box office success. The Lego Movie, released in 2014, was a critical and commercial hit, generating acclaim and "box office ka-ching" despite being based on a brand without a pre-existing story or characters. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter, "Labubu Plush Toy Line to Get Film Adaptation at Sony Pictures", November 14, 2025)

However, the game-changer was undoubtedly Greta Gerwig's live-action Barbie movie in 2023. This cultural phenomenon, a collaboration between Warner Bros. and Mattel, grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide and snagged eight Oscar nominations. Its success has directly inspired Mattel to accelerate plans for over a dozen other films based on its toys, with projects like a Polly Pocket movie (helmed by Lena Dunham), a Hot Wheels movie (directed by Jon M. Chu), and a Matchbox car movie (starring John Cena) all in active development.

Beyond traditional toys, video game adaptations have also become reliable box office hits. The Minecraft Movie is currently tracking as the highest-grossing film of 2025 at domestic theaters, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie was the second-biggest film of 2023, just behind Barbie. Even board games like Catan, popular video games like Call of Duty, and classic 3D-image toys like View Master are getting the green light from various studios. This shows a clear strategy: leverage established intellectual property (IP) with a built-in fanbase to minimize risk and maximize potential returns.

Navigating the Trade-offs and Challenges of Toy-to-Film Adaptations

The allure for studios is clear: a toy with a massive following offers a pre-sold audience, potentially lowering marketing costs and increasing opening weekend numbers. This reduces the financial gamble compared to an entirely original concept. However, this strategy isn't without its complexities and potential pitfalls.

One major counterpoint is the inherent narrative challenge. While some toy lines, like Lego or Barbie, have rich universes or cultural significance that can be expanded upon creatively, others like Labubu have a more abstract appeal centered on design and collectibility. Crafting a compelling storyline for characters whose primary existence is as a collectible object requires immense creativity from screenwriters and filmmakers. The risk of producing a movie that feels like a prolonged commercial rather than a genuine story is ever-present.

Another limitation to consider is the "fad factor." While Labubu is undeniably popular right now, the entertainment landscape moves incredibly fast. Some critics might argue that Labubu could go the way of past fads like Beanie Babies, rather than achieving the enduring cultural status of a Hello Kitty. By the time a movie, which takes years to develop and produce, actually hits theaters, will the "Labubu craze" still be as potent? This is a significant trade-off: riding a wave of popularity versus betting on long-term relevance. Sony and Pop Mart are clearly banking on the latter, hoping to solidify Labubu’s place in pop culture for years to come.

Example: The Collector's Dilemma and Hope for the Big Screen

Consider Sarah, a 32-year-old graphic designer who’s been collecting Labubu figures for three years. She remembers the thrill of her first blind box, the disappointment of a duplicate, and the pure elation of finding a rare "Artist Edition." Sarah spends hours in online forums discussing new releases and sharing photos of her meticulously arranged collection. For her, the Labubu Movie isn't just another film; it's a validation of her passion, a chance to see the monsters she loves brought to life beyond her shelf. Yet, she also feels a slight trepidation. "I just hope they get the characters right," she confided to a friend. "I don't want it to lose the charm and mystery that made them special in the first place." Her experience highlights the fine line studios must walk between expanding a brand and preserving its core appeal for dedicated fans.

Practical Takeaways for Labubu Fans and Moviegoers

• Stay Patient: The Labubu movie is in very early development, meaning it’ll be a while before we hear about cast, crew, or release dates. Don't hold your breath for a premiere next year!
• Watch for Creative Teams: The success will largely hinge on who Sony brings in to write and direct. Keep an eye out for announcements about the filmmakers, as their vision will shape the entire project.
• Anticipate the Tone: Given Labubu’s "cute-ugly" monster aesthetic, the film could lean into anything from a whimsical children's animation to a quirky, perhaps even slightly darker, family adventure.
• Prepare for a Franchise: If successful, this film is explicitly designed to "anchor a new franchise." Get ready for potential sequels, spin-offs, and even more merchandise!

Sources:

• Forbes Staff, "Labubus Could Hit The Big Screen—Sony Strikes Deal To Develop Film Based On Popular Toy", Conor Murray, November 14, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter, "Labubu Plush Toy Line to Get Film Adaptation at Sony Pictures", Borys Kit, November 14, 2025.
• The Guardian, "Labubu toy movie with potential to anchor franchise in the works at Sony", November 14, 2025.
• IndieWire, "Of Course Hollywood Is Making a Labubu Movie", Brian Welk, November 14, 2025.
• Times of India, "Viral Labubu toys to be adapted into movie franchise - Report", TOI Entertainment Desk, November 16, 2025.
• ComicBook.com, "Sony's KPop Demon Hunters Success May Be Setting Up Its Next Big Franchise", November 14-16, 2025 (approx.).
• FandomWire, "Sony’s Labubu Movie Is Exactly What Bryan Cranston Satirized in The Studio", Sonika Kamble, November 15, 2025.
• The Standard, "Sony to develop film based on Pop Mart's Labubu character", November 14-16, 2025 (approx.).

Frequently Asked Questions About the Labubu Movie When is the Labubu movie coming out? The Labubu movie is still in the very early stages of development, with no director, writers, or cast attached. Therefore, there is no official release date yet, and it will likely be several years before it hits theaters. Will the Labubu movie be live-action or animated? At this point, it's unclear whether the Labubu film will be live-action, animated, or a hybrid of both. Sony Pictures has not made an announcement regarding the format. Who created Labubu? The Labubu characters were designed by Hong Kong-born, European-based artist Kasing Lung, and they are primarily manufactured and sold by the Chinese retailer Pop Mart. Why are Labubu toys so popular? Labubu toys gained massive popularity due to their unique "cute-ugly" monster design, Pop Mart's "blind box" sales strategy that encourages collecting, and significant endorsements from celebrities like K-pop star Lisa of Blackpink.