Sony Pictures has acquired the rights to adapt the Chinese plush toy series Labubu into a film. The company plans to make a film, and if successful, launch a full-fledged franchise.
No producer or director has joined the project at this time, as the deal was only signed this week. It is also too early to determine whether the upcoming film will be animated or live-action.
Labubu is a line of toys featuring cute but slightly awkward monsters, created by Hong Kong artist Keisnig Lung. They were initially produced by How2Work as part of a series of monster figures. The toys’ popularity has skyrocketed after Chinese retailer Pop Mart began manufacturing and selling them in 2019.
Labubu’s popularity initially arose in Southeast Asian markets, and the series has since gained international recognition. Pop Mart’s profits are reportedly up 350% this year.