Overview
- Sony closed the rights deal this week with the stated goal of a potential franchise, but there are no producers, writer, director, or cast attached and no decision yet on animation versus live action; the studio declined comment.
- Labubu was created by Hong Kong–born artist Kasing Lung in 2015, initially produced by How2 Work before Pop Mart took over manufacturing and retail in 2019.
- The brand’s surge owes to blind‑box releases that encourage repeat purchases and to high‑profile use by celebrities such as BLACKPINK’s Lisa, leading to rapid sell‑outs and reported profit spikes for Pop Mart.
- A robust resale market has formed, with rare or “secret edition” figures fetching more than $1,000 and occasional six‑figure sales reported at auctions.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidance has warned that counterfeit knock‑offs can pose choking risks to children, highlighting safety and enforcement challenges around the craze.