Labubu movie reportedly in the works for the big screen after Sony Pictures closes deal
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Labubus became a phenomenon in 2024.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LOS ANGELES – The popular Labubu dolls that have ignited a global frenzy may light up movie screens in the future, The Hollywood Reporter said on Nov 14.
Film studio Sony Pictures closed a deal last week to develop a movie based on the toothy monsters, the American entertainment trade publication reported. It is in the early stages of development and it has not yet been decided whether it will be live action or animation.
Sony, which produced the live-action Jumanji movies (1995 to present), as well as the animated Netflix hit musical movie KPop Demon Hunters (2025), had no comment.
Labubus, sold by China’s Pop Mart, became a phenomenon in 2024
Shoppers lined up to buy the dolls in “blind boxes” that keep the exact model secret until opened.
While American consumers keep searching for an authentic Pop Mart Labubu, rivals are introducing their own cheaper, easier-to-find blind box products for the key holiday shopping season to capitalise on the craze sparked by the fuzzy mini monsters.
Hot gift lists from American retailers like Walmart feature a new crop of blind box figurines and trading cards, and American companies including Hasbro and Mattel are selling versions of toys like Furby and Barbie in mystery packaging, incorporating the trend.
A blind box toy – like Spin Master’s popular CrystaLynx dragons – generally has packaging that hides the specific product inside, so shoppers keep buying until they find the one they want or collect the whole series.
Labubus stoked excitement for the trend earlier in 2025, spiking in popularity as retailers finalised their holiday plans.
The “ugly-cute” dolls with toothy grins are not widely available. They sell out in minutes and later turn up on resale sites like eBay for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Because of their cost and scarcity, they are not on top toy lists published by major retailers and trade magazines.
But now toy aisles in holiday shopping destinations like Target are crammed with goods wrapped in mystery packaging.
Retailers, manufacturers and analysts expect they will be big sellers this holiday season because they are low-cost, inspire addictive shopping and appeal to adults and kids.
A Target spokesperson said the retailer doubled its assortment of blind box products for the holidays, adding items from brands including Baby Three, MGA Entertainment’s Miniverse, Zuru’s Mini Brands and Aphmau. REUTERS
