The thought of a Labubu feature film is perhaps becoming less horror-inspiring with news that Paddington filmmaker Paul King will be helming the pic.

As we reported last month, Sony Pictures picked up the screen rights to the Chinese doll brand with the aim of making a movie, and maybe launch a franchise.

Created in 2015 by artist Kasing Lung, Labubu was born from his The Monsters series, drawing on influences from Nordic mythology. The dolls really exploded in popularity once Pop Mart began selling the figures in blind-box format in 2019, a model that has driven collector frenzy around the world and turned the scruffy plush toys into a fashion statement with Gen Zers.

At this stage, Sony’s Labubu film is still early in development. No writer has yet been attached, and it remains unclear whether the adaptation will be animated or live-action.

Paul King is also set to produce with Department M and Wenxin She. King is best known for directing and co-writing the first two Paddington movies and co-wrote the screenplay for the most recent film, Paddington in Peru. He last directed the not-very-good Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet, but we’ll forgive him that stumble, considering how excellent the Paddington films were.