Paddington director shoots the Labubu film
The biggest hype of 2025 has reached Hollywood
Nobody is likely to have missed out on this hype this year: Labubus. What started out as an unusual collector's item has quickly developed into a real phenomenon that has now also arrived in Hollywood. As The Hollywood Reporter reports, a film adaptation is in the works – and there is already a director!
We're talking about Paul King, who recently enjoyed success with the "Paddington" films and "Wonka". King is not only directing the planned "Labubu" feature film, but is also acting as producer. Sony is working closely with Pop Mart, the Chinese brand owner behind Labubu, on the adaptation. There are no details about the plot or a start date yet. It is also not yet known whether it will be a real or animated film adaptation.
The worldwide success of the Labubu figures was a few years in the making, but recently exploded for two main reasons. Firstly, Pop Mart relied on the so-called "blind box" principle: buyers only found out which figure they had received after opening the packaging. This element of surprise not only increased the passion for collecting, but also boosted demand massively.
Paul King and his best-known films: Fantasy, warmth and British humor
Paul King is one of those directors who have left a lasting impression on international cinema with a manageable filmography. His films combine visual fantasy, warm-hearted characters and a subtle, often typically British sense of humor. King has made a name for himself particularly in the family and fantasy genre. A look at his best-known films shows how consistently he has developed this signature style.
Bunny and the Bull (2009): A bizarre start to a directing career
Paul King's first feature film "Bunny and the Bull" is a tragicomic journey through memory and fantasy. It tells the story of a young man who never leaves his apartment after the death of his best friend and reconstructs a trip to Europe together in his head. The film stands out due to its unusual visual language: Many locations were deliberately designed to look artificial, almost like theater sets. This stylized staging underlines King's penchant for creative visual solutions and emotional storytelling. Although the film remained commercially underwhelming, it established King as an independent voice in British cinema.
Paddington (2014): The surprising global success
Paul King achieved his international breakthrough with "Paddington". The film adaptation of Michael Bond's popular children's book character was initially viewed critically, but became a huge success with audiences and critics alike. King told the story of the polite bear from Peru, who finds a new family in London, with great warmth and respect for the literary source. The film impressed with its loving details, pointed humor and a clear emotional message about tolerance and belonging. "Paddington" quickly became a modern family classic.
Paddington 2 (2017): The rare step up
Only a few sequels manage to surpass the first part – "Paddington 2" is often cited as just such a case. Paul King deepened the themes of community, kindness and cohesion while creating an even more sophisticated production. The plot, in which Paddington ends up innocent in prison, provided room for new characters and surprising emotional moments. Critics praised the film effusively, with some even describing it as one of the best family films of all time. By this point, it was clear that King could deliver far more than just solid entertainment.
Wonka (2023): A magical new beginning for a cult figure
With "Wonka", Paul King ventured into one of the most famous characters in film history: Willy Wonka. Instead of a retelling, King opted for a prequel that follows the young chocolatier on his path to becoming an eccentric genius. The film combines musical elements, fairytale-like images and humorous dialog. Timothée Chalamet in the leading role lent Wonka a new, playful lightness. "Wonka" showed that King can also deal with big brands and high expectations without losing his own creative signature.
Paul King's cinematic signature
What all these films have in common is a deep belief in kindness, imagination and humanity. Paul King tells stories that are escapist, yet convey emotional truths. His best-known films prove that lovingly told cinema does not have to be cynical to be successful – and that even a little bear or an eccentric chocolatier can evoke great emotions.
