BUSINESS

Pop Mart Teams Up With Sony on Labubu Film

Published: Mar. 19, 2026 6:33 p.m. GMT+8

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The film, which is in the early stages of development, will combine live-action scenes with computer-generated imagery. Photo: VCG

Chinese toy-maker Pop Mart International Group Ltd. is partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. to bring its hugely popular Labubu figure to the big screen, the companies announced Thursday.

The film, which is in the early stages of development, will combine live-action scenes with computer-generated imagery.

Paul King, known for the “Paddington” films and “Wonka,” will direct the film and serve as a producer. King will also co-write the script with Steven Levenson. The IP’s creator, Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, will serve as an executive producer.

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Explore the story in 30 seconds

Pop Mart and Sony Pictures are developing a Labubu feature film, directed by Paul King, combining live-action and CGI.
Labubu's global popularity soared in 2024-2025 with plush toys, boosting Pop Mart's revenue and industry status.
The project tests whether toy-based IPs can match the longevity of traditional character franchises amid changing content trends.

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Who’s Who

Pop Mart International Group Ltd.: Pop Mart International Group Ltd. is a Chinese toy-maker partnering with Sony Pictures to create a live-action/CGI film based on its popular Labubu figure. This project aims to transform its toy designs into a global media franchise, challenging traditional entertainment models. Labubu's popularity surged between 2024 and 2025 following plush releases, making Pop Mart a valuable IP company.

Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.: Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. is partnering with Pop Mart International Group Ltd. to develop a film featuring Pop Mart's popular Labubu figure. The movie, combining live-action and CGI, will be directed by Paul King. This collaboration aims to transform toy IPs into a global media franchise, challenging traditional entertainment models.

Huatai Securities Co. Ltd.: Huatai Securities Co. Ltd. is a financial institution. Fan Junhao, an analyst from Huatai Securities, commented on the rarity of globally influential content IPs due to cultural barriers, as reported by Caixin.

CG Partners Asset Management Co. Ltd.: Xu Junyi, a fund manager at CG Partners Asset Management Co. Ltd., believes that short video platforms offer new IPs a chance to gain popularity over established franchises. He also notes that China's strong manufacturing capabilities make figurines affordable, aiding in the rapid creation of new IPs.

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What Happened When

2015：: Labubu was created by Kasing Lung for his book series 'The Monsters'.

2019：: Labubu became part of Pop Mart’s in-house IP through an exclusive licensing agreement that granted Pop Mart full control over 'The Monsters' series.

2024：: Pop Mart launched the mobile game 'Dream Home', allowing players to collect and interact with its characters.

Between 2024 and 2025：: Labubu's popularity skyrocketed globally following the release of plush versions, significantly increasing Pop Mart’s revenue.