Paul King, the director of Paddington and Wonka, is now set to helm a film for Sony involving the popular Labubu plush toys from Hong Kong, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Created by illustrator Kasing Lung as a character in his picture book series, The Monsters, Labubu was produced as a figurine line based on the series by the company How2Work in 2015. When Chinese retailer Pop Mart took over production and sales in 2019, however, the toy would explode in popularity, in part due to the company’s strategy of selling them in “blind boxes”, making which figurine a customer would purchase a surprise, and also due to being brought into the spotlight by several celebrities, notably K-pop group Blackpink member Lisa.
Now, following Sony Pictures’ acquisition of the rights in November, King has come on board to direct a film adaptation of the character.
King recently directed the prequel origin story of Roald Dahl’s iconic chocolate factory owner character, Willy Wonka, which starred Timothée Chalamet and grossed over $635 million worldwide. He also previously directed the first two Paddington films, which earned nearly $500 globally, and co-wrote and executive-produced the third film.
Along with directing the Labubu film, King will also produce it along with Department M and Wenxin She. The production is in early development and is currently looking for a writer.
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