From Wonka to Labubu: Paul King Takes on the Toy Movie Phenomenon
There’s a new movie project quietly building buzz in Hollywood, and it brings together an unexpected but intriguing combination. Paul King, the director behind the beloved Paddington films and the recent musical hit Wonka, has been lined up to direct a feature film based on Labubu, the wildly popular plush toy sensation. If that name sounds unfamiliar, it probably won’t for long, because Labubu has already taken large parts of Asia—and social media—by storm.
The project is still in its early stages, but it was confirmed that Sony Pictures acquired the screen rights to Labubu late last year. Since then, development has been moving forward, and King’s involvement has given the film an immediate boost of credibility. His track record speaks for itself. Paddington and Paddington 2 became global favorites thanks to their warmth, humor, and emotional depth, while Wonka turned an iconic character into a box office success, earning well over $600 million worldwide. That kind of storytelling touch is now being trusted with a toy that has built its fame in a very modern way.
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Labubu was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung as part of a larger monster-themed universe known as The Monsters. The character really began to take off around 2019, when Chinese retailer Pop Mart started selling Labubu figures through blind-box packaging. From there, the hype exploded. Social media unboxing videos, rare editions, and celebrity endorsements turned the dolls into must-have collectibles. New releases now sell out within minutes, resale prices can reach astonishing heights, and Pop Mart’s profits have reportedly surged dramatically as a result.
What’s especially interesting is how this film fits into a larger Hollywood trend. Traditionally, movies created merchandise. Now, it’s happening in reverse. The massive success of Barbie in 2023 proved that toy-based films could dominate the global box office, and studios have been racing to develop similar projects ever since. Labubu is simply the latest example of this shift, where existing fan communities and recognizable designs are being turned into full cinematic worlds.
For now, many details remain unclear. It hasn’t been announced whether the Labubu movie will be animated or live-action, and no writer has been revealed yet. Still, with Paul King at the helm, expectations are already forming. His ability to balance whimsy with heart suggests that Labubu won’t just be another cash-in toy movie. Instead, it’s being positioned as a charming, imaginative story that could surprise audiences—much like Paddington once did.
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