Paddington’s Paul King to Helm Live-Action Labubu Film

Paul King, the creative force behind Paddington and the recent Wonka, is gearing up for a fresh challenge: bringing Labubu to the big screen in a live-action adaptation. The quirky, wide-eyed character has taken off as a viral sensation over the past year, and now, with Sony Pictures on board, a film is officially in the pipeline. While the project is still in its early days, King is locked in to direct and produce, working alongside Department M and Wenxin She.

King’s track record at the box office is nothing to sneeze at. Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet, pulled in a hefty $635 million worldwide, while the Paddington films have charmed punters across the globe, raking in nearly $500 million. He directed the first two Paddington instalments and penned the script for the third, cementing his reputation for family-friendly hits.

Labubu’s Rise from Picture Book to Pop Culture

Labubu might seem like an overnight success, but the character’s roots go back a decade. Originally featured in a series of picture books, Labubu was dreamed up by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-born artist with strong ties to the Netherlands. Lung has said the design was inspired by Nordic fairy tales, giving the character a unique, whimsical edge.

Produced and sold exclusively by Pop Mart, Labubu toys are famous for their blind box packaging, which keeps buyers guessing about which figure they’ll get. This element of surprise has only added to the toy’s appeal, fuelling its viral status and making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.

Film Industry’s New Obsession with Toys

The announcement of a Labubu film fits right in with a broader trend in the film world: turning popular toys into big-screen adventures. Last year’s Barbie film, for example, smashed records with over $1 billion at the global box office. That success has prompted Mattel to consider bringing another 45 toy brands to cinemas, including Hot Wheels and Polly Pocket.

It’s not just toys getting the Hollywood treatment. The team behind Paddington is also working on a feature adaptation of the Mr Men and Little Miss children’s books. Clearly, there’s no shortage of nostalgia-fuelled projects in the works, as studios look to tap into the next big thing for family audiences.

What’s Next for Labubu on Screen?

While details about the Labubu film’s storyline, cast, and production schedule are still under wraps, the involvement of King and Sony Pictures has already generated plenty of buzz. The project follows hot on the heels of K-Pop Demon Hunters, another recent hit for the production team. For now, fans will have to wait for more news as development continues.