Hong Kong–born artist Kasing Lung, the creator behind Pop Mart’s beloved Labubu character, has been named executive producer for the upcoming Labubu feature film from Sony Pictures Entertainment and Pop Mart. The live-action and CG hybrid film will be directed by Paddington filmmaker Paul King and co-written with Dear Evan Hansen playwright Steven Levenson.
The project, still described as being in “early development,” was announced in Paris at the 10th anniversary stop of The Monsters global exhibition tour. “The whimsical world to the big screen,” is how the release describes the film’s vision, which will adapt Lung’s The Monsters universe first introduced in his 2015 picture book series The Monsters Trilogy.
Lung will serve as executive producer alongside the producing team of King, Michael Schaefer, and Wenxin She, with Brittany Morrissey overseeing for Sony Pictures. For Lung, who was raised in the Netherlands after being born in Hong Kong, the move to film underscores the international reach his creation has achieved under Pop Mart’s stewardship.
Read more: Labubu Film In The Works With ‘Paddington’ And ‘Wonka’ Filmmaker Paul King Set To Direct
“Labubu represents Pop Mart’s unique blend of art, collectibles and storytelling,” the company noted, adding that its “breakout success is a testament to Pop Mart’s consistent, sustained and strategic IP curation and development.”
The partnership with Sony is being positioned as “a significant milestone in bringing the beloved The Monsters IP from the world of collectibles to the big screen, promising a unique cinematic experience with creative storytelling, artistic vision and enduring global appeal.”
King, whose last feature Wonka (2024) grossed more than $635 million globally, is also developing Disney’s upcoming Prince Charming film with Chris Hemsworth. Co-writer Levenson’s recent screen credits include Tick, Tick… Boom! and Marc Webb’s forthcoming Snow White adaptation for Disney.
Pop Mart’s film ambitions come as the company seeks to strengthen its creative platform amid slowing toy sales and shifting investor sentiment. The Labubu phenomenon became one of 2025’s biggest crossover hits, embraced by K-pop idols, Hollywood stars, and global collectors.
Read more: From ‘Ne Zha 2’ to Labubus – Why “Becoming Chinese” is Trending On Social Media
The runaway popularity of the wide-eyed creature helped Pop Mart’s Hong Kong-listed shares soar to record highs last August, seen as a rare example of Chinese soft power finding Western mass appeal. But following concerns that rising production might erode the brand’s exclusivity, shares have since dropped over 30%.
To sustain its momentum, Pop Mart has turned to expanding its character lineup—including new stars like Twinkle Twinkle and Skullpanda—and diversifying into lifestyle retail and entertainment ventures.
By bringing Lung’s whimsical world to cinemas, Pop Mart hopes to re-enchant global audiences—and prove that its collectible universe still has fresh stories to tell.
