Sony announces screenwriter for Labubu film

Pop Mart and Sony Pictures have officially revealed key members of the creative team behind the upcoming Labubu film, as the feature adaptation of the beloved character moves forward in early development. The project will combine live-action with computer-generated imagery.

Acclaimed Screenwriter Joins the Team
Steven Levenson has come on board to co-write the screenplay alongside previously announced director Paul King, known for his work on the Paddington films. Levenson will help shape the story for the upcoming feature.

Levenson is known for his work in musical and dramatic genres, with credits including Dear Evan Hansen and Tick, Tick… Boom!, which may influence the film’s tone and emotional depth.

The Character’s Origins and Rise to Fame
Labubu was created by artist Kasing Lung and first appeared roughly a decade ago in the illustrated book series The Monsters Trilogy. Over time, the character expanded beyond the book format and became part of the global collectible toy industry.

The character gained particular popularity through Pop Mart, which helped make Labubu a recognizable figure worldwide and transformed it into a symbol of contemporary pop culture.

A Hybrid Format: Live-Action and CGI
The upcoming film will be produced as a hybrid feature, combining live-action with computer-generated imagery. This approach is intended to preserve the character’s unique visual identity while crafting a fully realized cinematic story.

The project remains in early development, and plot details have not yet been disclosed.

An International Creative Team
The film was announced in Paris during Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” global exhibition tour, which celebrated the character’s 10th anniversary. Both Kasing Lung, the creator of Labubu, and director Paul King attended the event.

Lung will serve as executive producer on the project. The producing team also includes Michael Schaefer and Wenxin She, with Brittany Morrissey overseeing for Sony Pictures.

The Road Ahead
Sony Pictures first acquired the film adaptation rights in 2025. Given the brand’s global popularity and the strong creative team now in place, the film is already being viewed as a potential international success.

The project is expected to appeal both to fans of the original character and to new audiences, combining visual originality with a contemporary approach to storytelling.