Reports say a Labubu movie is in the works, cementing the dolls’ place in popular culture – but how much do you know about them? Some facts you might not know.
Labubu dolls have been an internet sensation in recent years, with some of the figures changing hands for huge sums online. So with such success, it is perhaps inevitable that news has broken that there is now a Labubu movie in the works.
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Sony Pictures has picked up the screen rights to the Labubu brand, with the aim of making a movie based on them.
The deal was only inked last week, so there are no details about any movie – there is no producer or director attached yet, nor even details on whether the movie would be animated or live action.
It just shows that the Labubu sensation will continue for some time to come. But how much do you know about Labubu dolls? Here are some facts you might not know.
What is a Labubu?
One of the first questions asked is what is a Labubu supposed to be? Simply, it is a mischievous elf character – and, according to the original stories, Labubu is a girl. A Labubu can easily be recognised by its pointy ears and nine serrated teeth. The doll also doesn’t have a tail.
Currently, there are more than 300 Labubu available in various colours, sizes and looks.
Labubu was inspired by Nordic mythology
Labubu first appeared in 2015 when they were included in Kasing Lung’s story series called The Monsters. The inspiration for the characters came from Nordic mythology – which he had enjoyed as a child – and there were several characters included, but Labubu quickly became the breakout star of it.
Popular dolls
The Labubu toy line was launched in 2015, but it was 2019 when it took off. Then, Pop Mart took over as the exclusive maker and retailer form How2Work. They introduced the ‘bling box’ packaging for Labubu, which means that purchasers don’t know which character they are getting before they open the packaging, adding to the thrill of collecting.
Blackpink effect
But it wasn’t until 2024 that Labubu’s popularity was turbocharged. Then, Lisa from hugely popular K-Pop group Blackpink posted a story in Instagram with a giant Labubu plush, followed by one of her accessorising a bag with a Labubu charm. Since then, Labubu demand has rocketed among K-pop fans and toy collectors around the world, but especially in Asia. Indeed, demand has been such that one more than one occasion the website has crashed.
Record price for Labubu
With the increase in popularity has come an increase in sales, and an increase in values for some of the dolls, especially limited edition ones sold on online auction sites.
The record value for a Labubu was set in June at the first official Labubu auction, held in Beijing in China. There, a 1.2-metre tall mint-green Labubu was sold for $170,000.
Calls for bans
But while much of the world has fallen in love with Labubu dolls, the authorities in some countries haven’t – to the point they have looked to ban them from sale.
For instance, the Federation Council of Russia has proposed banning Labubus due to their ‘frightening appearance’ that could cause harm to children’s mental health. There was also opposition as there were no allegedly Russian words on the packaging, violating local regulations.
Meanwhile, in July in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, sales of Labubu were banned due to claims that they caused behavioural problems in children. Elsewhere in Iraq, there were media reports that the dolls contained ‘demonic spirits’.
