In a major announcement that bridges the worlds of high-end collectibles and cinema, it has been confirmed that acclaimed British director Paul King will take the helm of a live-action film based on the global toy sensation, Labubu. The project, which is being developed by entertainment giant A24 and Chinese collectibles leader Pop Mart, is currently slated for a theatrical release in 2027.
From Paddington Bear to a Mischievous Troll
Paul King, the filmmaker behind the beloved and critically adored Paddington films, is now setting his sights on a very different kind of character. Labubu, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, is a mischievous, fanged troll with large ears and a cult-like following. The character is the flagship figure of the 'The Monsters' series by Pop Mart, a company whose blind-box toys have sparked a worldwide collecting frenzy.
King's involvement signals a serious creative ambition for the project. His track record for infusing warmth, humour, and visual inventiveness into family-friendly stories makes him a seemingly perfect, if unexpected, choice to bring the wordless, expressive Labubu to life on the big screen. The director is reportedly co-writing the script with Simon Farnaby, his frequent collaborator on the Paddington movies.
A Global Phenomenon Hits the Big Screen
The Labubu film represents a significant move for all parties involved. For A24, the prestigious independent studio known for films like Everything Everywhere All at Once, it marks a foray into large-scale, family-oriented franchise filmmaking. For Pop Mart, the project is a strategic leap from retail dominance into original content creation, aiming to cement its intellectual property in the global cultural mainstream.
The film will be produced by Pop Mart's film and animation division, alongside A24 and Heyday Films, the production company founded by David Heyman, who produced the Paddington films and the Harry Potter series. This powerhouse combination suggests a film with both substantial financial backing and considerable creative pedigree.
What Can Audiences Expect?
While specific plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, the announcement confirms the movie will be a live-action/CGI hybrid. The central challenge for King and his team will be crafting a narrative around a non-verbal protagonist, a task that will likely rely heavily on physical comedy and expressive animation, much in the vein of classic silent film stars or modern icons like Wall-E.
The world of 'The Monsters' features a vast array of quirky characters, including Tycoco and Zimomo, so it is possible the film will expand to include Labubu's colourful peer group. The 2027 release date indicates the project is in its early development stages, allowing ample time for the intricate pre-production and animation work required.
This partnership underscores the increasing convergence of toy culture, art, and mainstream cinema. With Paul King's directorial magic, A24's curation, and Pop Mart's iconic character, the Labubu movie is poised to be one of the most intriguing and ambitious family films on the horizon.
