Sony Pictures to Develop Big-Screen Feature Based on Viral Toy Phenomenon "Labubu"

Labubu, the wildly popular collectible toy that has taken the world by storm, is officially headed to Hollywood. A trend that started among collectors and has since blown into global pop culture is reaching a new milestone with Sony Pictures' development of a movie based on the viral character. As fans continue to fuel its soaring demand, the Labubu brand is preparing for its biggest leap yet: a full-length feature movie that aims to bring its quirky monster universe to life.

The Global Rise of Labubu and the Toy Craze Sweeping Hollywood

The demonic creature was first introduced by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung in 2015 as a part of his whimsical series 'The Monsters.' The toy found mass-market momentum in 2019 when Chinese retailer Pop Mart adopted it into their booming "blind box" collectible line, instantly striking a chord with fans who loved the thrill of mystery unboxings. Because of social-media trends, celebrity sightings, and resale markets that often saw rare designs skyrocket in value, Labubu had transformed from a niche art toy to an international sensation in the year 2024–2025.

Image Courtesy: Deadline

Stars like Lisa from BLACKPINK, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and David Beckham helped push the strange-yet-adorable monster into the mainstream, sparking millions of TikTok views and creating a surge in pop-culture relevance. This meteoric rise fits right into a larger Hollywood pattern where toy-based IP—like 'Barbie' and 'The LEGO Movie'—has become a reliable source of billion-dollar storytelling, making Labubu's leap to film a natural next chapter in its global takeover.

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Image Courtesy: GQ India

Sony Pictures Steps In: The Labubu Movie Goes Into Development

According to various publication reports, Sony Pictures has now formally secured the rights to make Labubu a feature picture. By leveraging its enormous fan following and vibrant visual universe, the studio views Labubu as a promising new franchise prospect. While the movie is in very early development, industry outlets report that no writer, director, or cast have been announced yet, and the creative team is still evaluating whether the film will be animated, live-action, or a hybrid.

Image Courtesy: Indiewire

However, the toy's peculiar backstory, which includes a whole tribe of monster characters like Mokoko, Pato, Spooky, Tycoco, and Zimomo, can definitely serve as the framework for Sony's planned movie universe.

The Future of Labubu

More than just a movie announcement, the Labubu film illustrates the influence that collectible culture today has in the entertainment sector. With growing demand throughout Asia, Europe, and the US, Sony's adaptation has the potential to turn Labubu from a viral toy into a popular movie symbol. Fans are eager to see how the character's "ugly-cute" charm, Nordic-inspired folklore roots, and quirky monster companions will be interpreted on screen.

Image Courtesy: ResetEra

For Hollywood, it's another bold move into a trend where physical toys serve as storytelling foundations, blending nostalgia with fresh world-building potential. If executed well, the Labubu movie could spark sequels, merchandise expansions, and a new era for art-toy-to-film adaptations. Now, for the time being, observes should wait as Sony starts to develop the next phase of the Labubu phenomenon, which could make the mischievous little monster even more legendary.

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