Sony Pictures is developing a live-action film based on Labubu, the popular line of round, wide-eyed, pointy-eared plush toys. Paul King, known for directing the «Paddington» films and «Wonka,» has been chosen to direct and produce, alongside Department M and Wenxin She. The project is currently in its early stages.
King’s latest movie, «Wonka,» starring Timothee Chalamet, earned $635 mln at the global box office. The «Paddington» films were also both critical and commercial successes, earning nearly $500 mln worldwide. King co-wrote the screenplay and executive produced the third «Paddington» movie.
Labubu began as a picture book series a decade ago, with toys sold exclusively by the China-based retailer Pop Mart. The collectibles come in «blind boxes,» so buyers do not know which character they will receive. The figures were designed by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-born artist who grew up in the Netherlands. His interest in folklore inspired the «Monsters» series, which led to the creation of Labubu.
