This week, Sony Pictures closed a deal to bring the global toy and collectible sensation Labubu to the big screen, picking up rights to adapt the brand as a feature film. It was not clear whether Sony Pictures Animation/Imageworks (KPop Demon Hunters) will be delivering a fully-animated project for the big screen, or whether the concept will be adapted to a Sonic the Hedgehog style live-action movie populated by CGI monsters.
No producer, director or writer has been announced as yet, so fans will have to wait to open those blind boxes at a later date.
Labubu is part of “The Monsters” character line created by Hong Kong-born, Europe-based artist Kasing Lung, first introduced in figurine form by How2Work before the brand was acquired by Pop Mart. The Chinese retailer launched its line in 2019, and the popularity of its collectible blind box variants on the creepy-cute plush dolls, figurines and now extended merch line has rocketed in Southeast Asia and now the rest of the world. The clamor for Labubus has reached such a pitch that it was even lampooned in a recent South Park episode.
From Pop Mart:
In 2015, Kasing Lung created a fairy world in three picture books inspired by Nordic mythology, and populated it it with magical characters both good and evil, calling them The Monsters. Among them, the most prominent one was Labubu, a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth. Despite a mischievous look, Labubu is kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite.
In addition to the synonymous star character Labubu, The Monsters lineup also includes leader Zimomo, friend Mokoko and boyfriend Tycoco.
[Source: The Hollywood Reporter]
