Paddington and Wonka Director Tapped for Live-Action Labubu Film

Paul King, the creative force behind the beloved Paddington films and the recent Wonka hit starring Timothée Chalamet, is gearing up for a new cinematic adventure. King is set to direct and produce a live-action adaptation of Labubu, the wildly popular toy that has taken social media by storm over the past year. The project is in its early stages, with Sony Pictures having recently acquired the rights to bring the quirky character to the big screen.

From Toy Craze to Big Screen

Labubu, a fuzzy, wide-eyed figure, has become a sensation among collectors and kids alike. Though the toy only recently exploded in popularity, its origins trace back a decade to a picture book series. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, Labubu draws inspiration from Nordic fairy tales and is exclusively produced by Pop Mart. The toys are sold in blind box packaging, adding an element of surprise for buyers who never know which version they’ll get until they open the box.

King will be working alongside Department M and Wenxin She to bring this unique character to life. His recent success with Wonka, which grossed $635 million worldwide, and his pivotal role in the Paddington franchise —directing the first two films and penning the script for the third—make him a natural fit for this new family- friendly project.

Hollywood ’s Toy Story Trend

The announcement of a Labubu movie fits right in with Hollywood’s growing fascination with toy-based films. The massive success of Barbie in 2023, which raked in over $1 billion globally, has inspired studios to look to toys for their next big hits. Mattel, for example, is now considering dozens of toy properties for future movies, including Hot Wheels and Polly Pocket.

Labubu’s leap to the silver screen follows this trend, as studios aim to capture the magic and nostalgia of childhood favorites. Sony Pictures, fresh off the buzz from K-Pop Demon Hunters, is betting that Labubu will be the next big thing in family entertainment.

What’s Next for Labubu

While details about the plot, cast, and production timeline are still under wraps, excitement is building around the project. The team behind Paddington is also working on a feature adaptation of the Mr. Men and Little Miss children’s books, signaling a broader move toward bringing beloved illustrated characters to life.

As development continues, fans of Labubu and newcomers alike are eager to see how King and his team will translate the toy’s whimsical charm and mysterious origins into a full-length movie experience.