“Wonka” Director Paul King Set to Unbox a ‘Labubu’ Movie for Sony

Paul King is not slowing down. After turning “Wonka” into a global hit, the director is jumping into stranger territory. Sony Pictures has tapped King to direct and produce a feature film based on the wildly popular Labubu toy line. Yes, the creepy, cute dolls with sharp smiles and oversized eyes are headed to the big screen.

The project is still young. But the creative pairing already has people paying attention. King knows how to balance heart, humor, and visual charm. Labubu thrives on oddness and emotional pull. That overlap matters.

Paul King’s Next Big Swing

Jared / IG / Paul King, 47, has built a reputation for films that feel warm without being soft. His work on the first two “Paddington” films set a high bar.

Those movies earned close to $500 million worldwide and turned a polite bear into a modern classic. “Paddington 2” in particular became a rare sequel that critics loved even more than the original.

Then came “Wonka” in 2023. The film starred Timothée Chalamet and surprised many with its strong box office run. It pulled in over $635 million worldwide. King wrote and directed the film, leaning into color, emotion, and playful storytelling. That same approach makes him a smart choice for Labubu, a character who lives between cute and unsettling.

The 47-year-old director is also staying busy beyond Labubu. He served as executive producer and co-writer on “Paddington in Peru” and is lined up to direct a Disney film centered on Prince Charming. Chris Hemsworth is reportedly in talks to star. Still, Labubu feels like his most unusual project yet.

What Exactly Is Labubu?

Labubu is not your typical toy hero. The character comes from “The Monsters” series, created by artist Kasing Lung. Lung was born in Hong Kong and now works in Europe. His designs mix fairy tale sweetness with dark edges. Big eyes. Sharp teeth. Mischievous smiles. Fans often call the style creepy, cute, or ugly cute.

The toys first appeared through the company How2Work. Everything changed in 2019 when Pop Mart stepped in. The Chinese retailer took over manufacturing and global distribution. That move turned Labubu from a niche art toy into a worldwide obsession.

Pop Mart’s blind box system plays a huge role. Buyers never know which figure they are getting until the box is opened. That mystery drives repeat purchases and intense collecting. Rare figures can sell for shocking prices on the resale market. Some limited editions have reached six-figure sums.

In 2024, BLACKPINK’s Lisa was seen using Labubu dolls as fashion accessories.

Sony’s Plan and What We Know So Far?

Labubu / IG  / Sony Pictures acquired the screen rights to Labubu in November 2025. The studio moved quickly to lock in Paul King. He is set to direct and produce the film.

Production companies Department M and Wenxin She are also involved. Pop Mart is collaborating closely with Sony on the adaptation.

Right now, many details are still open. No writer has been attached yet. There is no decision on format. The film could be animated, live action, or a blend of both. That choice will shape everything from tone to budget.

However, what is clear is that Sony sees Labubu as more than a one-off experiment. The toy already has a massive global fanbase. It also has a flexible world that can support storytelling. That makes it attractive for a studio looking to build new franchises.

The ‘Labubu’ movie fits neatly into a bigger trend. Hollywood is leaning hard into toy and game-based films. The success stories are hard to ignore. “Barbie” dominated 2023. “The Lego Movie” proved that toys could carry smart, funny stories. Video game films like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Sonic the Hedgehog” turned familiar brands into box office powerhouses.