The mischievous, fanged Labubu dolls are heading for Hollywood, as Sony Pictures has secured the screen rights to the Chinese collectible sensation. The studio plans to develop a feature film — and possibly a full franchise — centred on the wildly popular figurines that have dominated social media and pop culture over the past year. The project is still at an early stage with no creative team or producers yet attached.

Although Labubu debuted in 2015, the toys from Chinese maker Pop Mart only recently surged into global fame. Sold in "blind boxes," where buyers do not know which character they will get until unboxing, the dolls have fuelled a feverish collector market, complete with soaring resale prices. Their rise was turbocharged by celebrity attention, particularly from the K-pop world.

Blackpink's Lisa openly declared her affection for the brand earlier this year, while NBA player Dillon Brooks has been spotted sporting Labubu accessories and praising the dolls for their quirky charm.

Sony's move represents a long-term gamble that Labubu's viral appeal will endure long enough to draw cinema audiences once the film is finally made. The Hollywood Reporter first revealed the acquisition.