Pop Mart and Sony Pictures’ “Labubu” movie has officially unveiled the creative team that will bring the global phenomenon to the big screen.
BAFTA-nominated director Paul King (“Wonka,” “Paddington”) will produce and direct the film, and will co-write the screenplay with award-winning screenwriter and playwright Steven Levenson. Levenson has been nominated for a Tony (for “Dear Evan Hansen), a WGA Award (“Tick Tick … Boom!”) and an Emmy (FX’s “Fosse/Verdon”). The project, which is still in early development, will be a live‑action and CGI hybrid.
These key developments were announced by Labubu creator Kasing Lung and King at the Paris stop of Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” global exhibition tour, celebrating their 10th anniversary. A decade ago, Lung launched the whimsical world of Labubu via the picture book series, collectively known as “The Monsters Trilogy.” From there, the toys, which are produced and sold exclusively by China-based retailer Pop Mart, became a pop culture fixation. Sony Pictures acquired screen rights to the Labubu IP in 2025.
Lung will serve as an executive producer on the film. Producers will be King, Michael Schaefer (“The Martian”) and Wenxin She (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “Wish Dragon”). Brittany Morrissey will oversee the project for Sony Pictures.
Paul King and Kasing Lung in Paris.