Sony Pictures Acquires Film Rights to Labubu Dolls—Is a Movie Franchise Next?

Hollywood, CA — The wildly popular Labubu dolls, a viral consumer sensation in 2023, could soon be hitting the big screen. Sony Pictures has officially secured the film rights to the beloved Chinese toy line, marking the latest in a series of high-profile film adaptations based on toys. The studio’s decision to bring Labubu to life follows the success of several toy-based movies in recent years, including the record-breaking Barbie (2023), which grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide.

Early Development, No Details Yet

While the acquisition is a significant step forward, details about the Labubu film remain scarce. No cast, director, or writer has been confirmed, and the project is still in its early stages of development. Multiple industry outlets reported that there is no set timeline for the film’s release, and it remains unclear whether the movie will be live-action, animated, or a combination of both. If successful, the Labubu film could pave the way for a larger franchise, with sequels or spin-offs potentially following the movie’s release.

Sony Pictures has yet to comment publicly on the project, and inquiries from Forbes have not been returned as of this writing.

Why Are Studios Turning to Toy-Based Movies?

Sony’s move to secure the Labubu franchise reflects a broader trend in Hollywood, as film studios increasingly look to toys and games for fresh movie material. In recent years, toy-based films have found massive success at the box office, thanks in part to the cultural phenomenon that was Barbie (2023). The live-action movie, which featured Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, became a global sensation, surpassing $1.4 billion in box office revenue.

Inspired by the success of Barbie, other toy brands have lined up movie deals, with Mattel leading the charge. Among the upcoming projects, writer-actress Lena Dunham is set to direct a Polly Pocket movie, while Jon M. Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians, is helming a live-action Hot Wheels film. Additionally, WWE star John Cena will star in a Matchbox car movie. The Lego Movie (2014) is widely credited with kickstarting the toy-to-film trend, and A Minecraft Movie, along with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has since further cemented the appeal of these adaptations.

Labubu’s Rise to Fame

Labubu dolls have been around since 2015, but their cultural impact reached new heights in 2023 when they went viral on TikTok. The mischievous and “ugly-cute” appearance of the dolls has captivated consumers, particularly younger audiences. Labubus are sold in “blind boxes,” which means buyers don’t know which doll they’ll get until they open the box, adding an element of surprise. This approach has made them highly collectible, with some dolls fetching thousands of dollars on the resale market.

Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind the Labubu toy line, has fueled the dolls’ popularity with their “unboxing” trend on TikTok. Fans eagerly post videos of their Labubu unboxings, contributing to a growing online fanbase. The toys’ massive popularity has led to long lines at stores and even in-store brawls, as some customers scramble to grab the rarest figures. The Labubu phenomenon has sparked a sense of community among collectors, and some even take to social media to trade and show off their collections.

A Potential Toy Film Franchise

Given the growing popularity of Labubu and their strong, dedicated fanbase, Sony Pictures sees significant potential in adapting the dolls into a feature film. The success of toy-based films like Barbie and The Lego Movie has proven that audiences are eager to see their favorite toys come to life on the big screen. With Labubu’s unique aesthetic and large following, there’s a possibility that the film could explore the world of these quirky characters, perhaps even building a franchise centered around the dolls’ mischievous adventures.

While it’s too early to predict the specifics of the Labubu film, one thing is clear: the toy-based movie trend is far from over. Sony’s acquisition of the Labubu film rights is just the latest example of studios capitalizing on the success of nostalgic, collectible items to engage audiences both old and new.

The Future of Toy-to-Film Adaptations

The move by Sony to bring Labubu dolls to the big screen is just another sign that Hollywood sees significant potential in the toy-based movie genre. If the Labubu film succeeds, it could join the ranks of other successful toy adaptations, including The Lego Movie franchise, Barbie, and future releases like Hot Wheels and Polly Pocket.

As studios continue to bet on toy-based films, the toy aisle might just be the new Hollywood block, and Labubu could soon be the latest toy to conquer both stores and movie theaters.