Labubu Dolls Head to Hollywood: Sony Adapting Viral Collectibles
Sony Pictures is developing a movie based on the viral Labubu dolls, marking their transition from social media to the big screen. These wide-eyed, sharp-toothed, mischievous elf characters, created in 2015 by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung and exclusively sold by Chinese collectible giant Pop Mart, have become one of the decade's most recognizable toys. Labubu and its squad of monster friends, including popular characters like Mokoko, Pato, Spooky, Tycoco, and Zimomo, sparked a global craze this year, with fans often waiting extended periods for new releases.
TheDolls' immense popularity is largely attributed to the “blind box” model, which creates a sense of mystery as buyers don't know which character they'll receive. This unique selling point has fueled a massive resale market, with some rare pieces reportedly fetching six-figure sums. Celebrity endorsements have further propelled the trend; BLACKPINK's Lisa notably boosted Labubu's visibility in 2024, leading to its adoption by A-listers such as Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and David Beckham.
While the project is in its early stages with no details on whether it will be animated or live-action, nor any director or cast announced, Sony clearly recognizes the blockbuster potential. Hollywood has seen significant success with toy-to-screen adaptations recently, exemplified by “The LEGO Movie” and “Barbie,” which grossed over $1 billion globally and earned eight Oscar nominations. Sony and Mattel also recently announced a “View-Master” adaptation, indicating a strong industry trend. The main uncertainty remains whether Labubu will achieve a “Barbie-sized cultural moment” or fade like short-lived fads such as Beanie Babies. However, with Sony's involvement, the tiny troublemaker is poised for a major evolution.
The rise of Labubu dolls as a beloved addition to the realm of pop culture collectibles highlights the growing trend of unique toys gaining mainstream attention.
