Paddington & Wonka Director to Helm Sony’s Labubu Movie

Sony Pictures is moving ahead with its planned Labubu film, with director Paul King reportedly set to helm the project. Best known for the Paddington films and Wonka, King’s involvement marks a significant creative step for the adaptation of the collectible toy brand.

Paul King to direct Sony’s Labubu Movie

Sony Pictures has selected director Paul King to helm its upcoming feature based on Labubu, the globally popular designer toy line, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The project remains in early development. However, King’s involvement marks a major creative attachment since Sony secured the big-screen rights to the brand earlier this year.

King, best known for directing the Paddington films and Wonka, is also on board as a producer. He will produce alongside Department M and Wenxin She. The studio will also collaborate closely with Pop Mart, the Chinese retailer and brand owner behind Labubu. As of now, a writer has not yet been hired, and no production timeline has been announced.

Created by artist Kasing Lung, Labubu originated as part of a designer toy line. It was initially produced by How2 Work before Pop Mart took over manufacturing and distribution in 2019. The brand’s popularity expanded through Pop Mart’s blind-box retail strategy. The strategy helped to fuel strong consumer demand and a high-value resale market. The brand’s visibility expanded further after high-profile celebrity exposure, including use by K-pop star Lisa of Blackpink. 

As previously reported, Sony acquired the film rights to Labubu in November. However, the studio has not yet determined whether the project will move forward as a live-action feature or an animated film. No casting announcements have been made.

King brings significant franchise experience to the project. He directed and co-wrote the first two Paddington films and later directed Wonka, which was released by Warner Bros. and achieved strong box office results. Further updates on the Labubu adaptation are expected as development progresses.

Source: Comingsoon.net