Sony Acquires Labubu Screen Rights With Paul King to Direct

Sony completed acquisition of the screen rights to Labubu, the mischievous Pop Mart character, on December 28, 2025, and assigned Paul King to direct and produce a live-action feature. Department M and producer Wenxin She are also attached to produce. The project is in early development and no screenwriter had been publicly announced at the time of the deal.

Labubu began as a collectible character in Pop Mart’s designer toy line and has grown into one of the brand’s most recognizable mascots. This move places the character on a trajectory from shelves and blind-box displays to mainstream cinematic exposure, bringing new visibility to the Labubu community and to Pop Mart’s broader transmedia strategy.

For collectors and community organizers the practical effects could be immediate. Expect increased public interest in existing Labubu releases and potential boosts in secondary market prices for rare figures. Retailers and independent sellers may see higher traffic for both classic and recent drops. Verify announcements through Pop Mart and Sony’s official channels before making purchase decisions or placing preorders, since early development deals often precede confirmed release schedules, casting, or merchandising plans.

Fans can look forward to a period of announcements to follow: a credited screenwriter, casting decisions, production timeline, and marketing partners. Department M’s involvement signals a production structure aimed at rapid franchise development, while Wenxin She joining as producer adds another established production credit to the team. Because the project remains in its early stages, no firm dates for preproduction or release exist yet.

The choice of Paul King, known for his work on family-oriented live-action films, suggests a creative approach that could translate Labubu’s playful aesthetics and character-driven appeal to the screen. That creative direction will shape related merchandise, promotional events, and fan engagement opportunities. Organizers of conventions, fan gatherings, and independent artists should anticipate collaboration requests or themed tie-ins, and can prepare by documenting existing Labubu lines and limited releases that may gain renewed interest.

This development is part of a larger industry pattern of turning collectible IP into film and television franchises. For Labubu’s collectors and local scene leaders, the Sony deal is a moment to reassess collections, confirm provenance of rare pieces, and track official licensing updates so the community can make informed choices as the property moves from toys to screens.