Sony Developing ‘Labubu’ Film With Paul King Directing and Steven Levenson Writing
Sony Pictures is moving forward with a film adaptation of Labubu, the character created by Kasing Lung, with a creative team now in place as the project enters early development.
Director Paul King, known for the Paddington films and Wonka, is attached to direct and produce. He will also co-write the screenplay with Steven Levenson, whose credits include Dear Evan Hansen, Tick, Tick… Boom! and Fosse/Verdon. The film is planned as a hybrid of live-action and CGI.
The announcement was made during the Paris stop of Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” exhibition, marking the 10th anniversary of the Labubu character and its broader universe.
Labubu originated in Lung’s illustrated book series, often referred to collectively as “The Monsters Trilogy.” Over the past decade, the character has expanded beyond publishing into a major commercial property, driven largely by collectible figures produced by Pop Mart.
The toys, sold through Pop Mart’s retail network, have become widely recognizable, particularly in Asian markets, before gaining traction internationally. Sony acquired the screen rights to the property in 2025, positioning it for a broader expansion into film.
Paul King’s involvement signals a tone likely aimed at a broad audience, combining visual stylization with character-driven storytelling. His previous work has balanced family appeal with distinct visual identity, an approach that aligns with Labubu’s existing design and tone.
Steven Levenson’s participation brings experience in adapting emotionally centered narratives across both stage and screen. While the plot of the Labubu film has not been disclosed, the pairing suggests a focus on character development within a visually driven world.
Kasing Lung will serve as an executive producer, maintaining a direct connection between the original material and the film adaptation. Additional producers include Michael Schaefer and Wenxin She, both of whom have worked on large-scale studio projects.
At Sony, the project will be overseen by Brittany Morrissey. As a live-action and CGI hybrid, the production is expected to involve extensive visual effects work, though details about the scope and style have not been released.
Sony continues to lean into globally recognized intellectual property, particularly titles with strong merchandising potential. Labubu also brings a distinct visual identity, giving the studio a property that can translate across formats and platforms.
The film remains in early development, with no casting or release timeline announced.
