Just one month after securing the film rights to collectible toy phenomenon Labubu, Sony Pictures has announced that British director Paul King has been assigned to tackle the cuddly, creepy-cute characters for the big screen. The appointment of multi-BAFTA nominee King, who helmed the hit kids’ book adaptation Paddington, points to a live-action hybrid project rather than a fully animated feature.
In addition to directing and co-writing the first two Paddington movies and co-writing/executive producing the most recent outing, Paddington in Peru, King helmed the Roald Dahl adaptation Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet. Before making his feature debut with Bunny and the Bull, King cut his teeth in comedy television, including directing all 20 episodes of the surreal BBC series The Mighty Boosh. His TV credits also include Dogface, Come Fly with Me, Space Force and Outsiders.
Labubu is part of “The Monsters” character line created by Hong Kong-born, Europe-based artist Kasing Lung, first introduced in figurine form by How2Work before the brand was acquired by Pop Mart. The Chinese retailer launched its line in 2019, and the popularity of its collectible blind box variants of plush dolls, figurines and now extended merch line has rocketed in Southeast Asia and now the rest of the world, buoyed by celebrity stans including members of K-pop super groups Blackpink and BTS, Cardi B and Kim Kardashian.
The characters were introduced in a trilogy of picture books inspired by Norse mythology. In addition to the star character Labubu, The Monsters lineup also includes leader Zimomo, friend Mokoko and boyfriend Tycoco.
King is represented by WME, Independent Talent Group (U.K.) and Davis Law Group.
[Source: The Hollywood Reporter]
