This year, the world went crazy for the collectible line of dolls, Labubus. And like most hyper viral things, it’s getting a movie. Sony Pictures has acquired the screen rights to the wildly popular Chinese doll brand, Labubu. The deal, signed this week, places the furry, razor-toothed monsters in line for an entire franchise.
Labubu was created by artist Kasing Lung. The dolls have exaggerated expressions on plastic faces, sharp teeth, and scruffy fur. Its “so ugly they’re cute” aesthetic gives off a hint of sinister vibes and has drawn comparisons to beloved pop culture monsters like Gizmo from Gremlins.
The doll’s global explosion in popularity was driven by the blind box obsession created by Pop Mart. The craze reached a fever pitch in the United States, propelled by influencers and celebrities including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. Pop Mart’s profits went sky high, as did the doll’s price, cementing Labubu‘s status as a must-have collectible. For a while there, you could not walk into a store or venue without spotting the little critters hanging from purses and keychains.
As for the movie, it is currently in its early stages. At the moment, it’s not known if the movie will be family-friendly, live-action, or animated. But I could definitely see the potential for a horror movie. So far, there is no writer or director attached, but an announcement will likely come soon.
For those who are both horror fans and Labubu collectors, you can find more than just basic accessories for the dolls (dresses, hats, etc). If you head to sites like Etsy, you can find horror-themed clothing, masks, and more based on iconic horror characters, including Art the Clown and Friday the 13th-themed items.
We’ll keep you posted.
