In a twist that flips the script on Hollywood’s traditional toy-to-film pipeline, the scruffy, sharp-toothed Labubu dolls are leaping from collector’s shelves to the silver screen. Sony Pictures has inked a deal with Chinese powerhouse Pop Mart to develop a feature film based on these viral monsters, sparking excitement among fans and industry watchers alike. Announced earlier this month, the project signals a bold bet on the plush phenomenon’s staying power, potentially launching a franchise in an era where toys like Barbie and Lego have redefined blockbuster success.
What started as a niche creation in 2015 by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung has ballooned into a global obsession. Inspired by Nordic folklore, Labubu and its quirky companions—like the leadership duo Zimomo, loyal sidekick Mokoko, and romantic interest Tycoco—embody a “cute-ugly” aesthetic that defies conventional doll charm. With oversized heads, mischievous grins, and fuzzy pajama vibes, these creatures tap into a craving for whimsy amid everyday chaos. Pop Mart supercharged their appeal through “blind box” sales, where buyers snag a mystery figure, fueling resale frenzy on platforms like eBay and TikTok. Prices for rare editions now soar into the hundreds, turning casual collectors into die-hard devotees.
The dolls’ meteoric rise isn’t just about adorable aesthetics; it’s a cultural juggernaut. In 2024, Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” line raked in $430 million, accounting for over 23% of the company’s revenue. By mid-2025, that figure had exploded to $670 million, nearly 35% of total sales, outpacing icons like Hot Wheels and edging closer to Barbie’s throne. Projections peg the brand as a billion-dollar empire by year’s end, a testament to its cross-generational pull. From Tokyo pop-ups to London livestreams, Labubu sightings dominate social feeds, blending nostalgia with novelty in a post-pandemic world hungry for tactile joy.
Celebrity endorsements have turbocharged the hype, transforming Labubu from toy to status symbol. BLACKPINK’s Lisa ignited the fire in 2024 by dangling a Labubu charm from her handbag, dubbing it “my baby” in a Teen Vogue chat. Rihanna’s casual clutch accessory at a gala, Kim Kardashian’s Instagram unboxings, and David Beckham’s courtside flaunt followed suit, elevating the dolls to luxury bling. Even NBA star Dillon Brooks rocked one on a chain during playoffs, while Simone Biles showcased high-fashion variants, drawing Hailey Bieber into the fold. Paris Hilton’s blind box hauls on TikTok have amassed millions of views, proving Labubu’s knack for infiltrating elite circles. This star power mirrors the inverse merch machine: where films once spawned toys, today’s hits like Greta Gerwig’s Barbie—a $1.4 billion smash—prove toys can birth cinematic empires.
Sony’s move taps into this momentum with precision. Fresh off animation triumphs like KPop Demon Hunters, the studio eyes Labubu as family-friendly fare with franchise potential. Details remain scarce—no director, cast, or format (live-action or animated) has been locked in—but the acquisition underscores Hollywood’s scramble for IP gold. As The Lego Movie sparked a toy-adaptation renaissance in 2014 and A Minecraft Movie topped 2025’s domestic charts, Labubu arrives primed for the spotlight. Executives see parallels to Jumanji‘s chaotic fun, envisioning a tale of monster mischief that charms kids and hooks adults with meta humor.
Yet, this buzz isn’t without risks. Blind box mania has drawn scrutiny over gambling-like mechanics, especially for young fans, prompting calls for age-appropriate guidelines. Pop Mart’s rapid expansion—now spanning 400 global stores—raises sustainability questions, as production scales to meet demand. Still, the enthusiasm is palpable on social platforms, where #LabubuMovie trends alongside fan art of epic adventures. One X user gushed, “From blind boxes to box office—Labubu’s conquering everything!” echoing the sentiment of collectors who’ve built “Labubu Lands” in their homes.
As development unfolds, Labubu’s Hollywood odyssey promises more than plush profits; it’s a window into evolving pop culture. In an age of fleeting fads, these toothy trolls remind us that the line between play and powerhouse storytelling blurs delightfully. Whether it spawns sequels or settles as a one-off charmer, one thing’s clear: Labubu isn’t just fueling buzz—it’s rewriting the rules of the game.
