TikTok's Labubu Doll Trend, Explained
Close-up detail view of seven Labubu monsters / charms / dolls / plus from "Big Into Energy" collection : Loyalty, Happiness, Luck, Hope, Serenity, Love an Secret, during a street style fashion photo session, on June 12, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by) Getty Images
Fuzzy little creatures have taken over TikTok and Instagram with the advent of 2025's unexpected fashion trend, Labubu monster dolls.
Labubu dolls are monsters from a children's book series that leaped into the mainstream, exploding into a trendy fashion accessory and desirable collectible.
There's something familiar about the spiky-toothed Labubu—they bear a slight resemblance to Troll dolls, or even Huggy Wuggy, the cutesy horror icon of YouTube.
Many have pointed out the similarities to the Wild Things of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are , which seems appropriate, given that the creatures sprung from a children's picture book.
Labubu first appeared in The Monsters Trilogy by artist Kasing Lung, who based his striking illustrations on figures from Nordic mythology.
Lung moved from Hong Kong to the Netherlands as a child, and sharpened his Dutch by reading regional fairytales, sparking inspiration for his book.
In 2019, Lung struck a licensing deal with Pop Mart, transforming his monsters into collectibles, and eventually inspiring a fashion frenzy.
Lung describes his monster as a mischievous id, saying 'Labubu can do what I want to do, but I don't dare to do it.' Why Are Labubu Dolls So Popular?
Much of the dolls popularity has been credited to Blackpink (and White Lotus ) star Lisa, who has been one of the most prominent Labubu fans, but many celebrities such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian have been spotted with the dolls.
While celebrities and influencers have boosted the trend, funny memes and TikTok clips catapulted Labubu into virality, turning the dolls into ultra-desirable collectibles, like a monstrous incarnation of Beanie Babies.
All of a sudden, Labubus are everywhere.
The secret sauce to Labubu's popularity might be the 'blind boxes' they are sold in, in which the color of Labubu is revealed only when the doll is unboxed, adding to the excitement of unwrapping a rare figure.
The chance of a randomly distributed rare find is similar to that of video game loot boxes, where the unknowable outcome can fuel additive consumer spending, and has even been compared to the effects of gambling.
Hence, TikTokers are posting comedy sketches of mock-meltdowns, beheading their unwanted dolls after opening another packet and getting an undesirable color.
Some are speculating that the next step is an animated Labubu movie, comparing the monster craze to Pokemon.
The dolls keep being inserted into scenes from The Devil Wears Prada , and melting into the primordial soup of AI-generated Italian Brainrot.
Many TikTok commentators have urged fashionistas to be more original and stop chasing trends for the sake of it (although, that's pretty much how trends work)—people want these dolls because they are popular, and they are popular because people want them.
We've seen the spread of Gremlins , Minions , and now, Labubu—it seems that the appeal of mischievous, diminutive creatures is simply irresistible. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes The Controversial Ending Of Disney's New 'Lilo & Stitch,' Explained By Dani Di Placido Forbes How 'JD Vance Edit' Memes Broke The Internet By Dani Di Placido Forbes The AI-Generated Studio Ghibli Trend, Explained By Dani Di Placido Forbes An Episode Of 'Spongebob' Introduced 'Nosferatu' To Gen Z By Dani Di Placido
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What's Next for Denis Villeneuve's Bond Movie? Amazon's Wishlist Includes Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson
In the 2021 film 'No Time to Die,' Daniel Craig repeats one of the James Bond franchise's most enduring lines to Léa Seydoux: 'We have all the time in the world.' Well, not quite. More from Variety Amazon MGM Partners With Sony Pictures for International Theatrical Distribution Under New Multi-Year Deal Denis Villeneuve to Direct James Bond Film at Amazon Amazon MGM Studios' United Artists, Scott Stuber Board Action-Thriller 'The Seventh Man' From 'Carry On' Writer T.J. Fixman (EXCLUSIVE) Now that Amazon has tapped Denis Villeneuve as the franchise's next director, the pace is about to accelerate significantly on the 26th outing of James Bond. Even still, Amazon is looking at a 2028 release date for Bond 26. Anything sooner would be impossible to pull off, given the film's scale, sources say. Amazon declined to comment for this story. French-Canadian helmer Villeneuve beat out four European directors — Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King and Jonathan Nolan — for the coveted job. Now, Amazon will move fast to attach a writer, and then an actor who will slip into Agent 007's shoes. Insiders say that the studio and producers are interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30, with Jacob Elordi ('Saltburn'), Tom Holland ('Spider-Man') and Harris Dickinson ('Babygirl') at the top of the list. (Elordi is Australian, but that would not be a deal-breaker as far as Amazon is concerned; remember Aussie George Lazenby starred in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.') While there has been speculation that Aaron Taylor-Johnson or Henry Cavill would be possible heirs to Craig, they are 35 and 42, respectively, and thus unlikely to fit the mandate. So, too, is fan-favorite Idris Elba, 52, who has ducked Bond speculation for years. (No meetings have happened at this stage.) Alfonso Cuarón was an early contender to direct, and Bond producer David Heyman pushed hard to make that happen, given that the two had worked together on the third 'Harry Potter' movie. But Cuarón removed himself from competition, choosing to focus on other projects, including the Charlize Theron-starrer 'Jane.' That film, which is also on a fast track at Amazon, is awaiting a draft of the script from Jack Thorne, who penned the 'Enola Holmes' trilogy. (It is unclear if Cuarón would direct or only produce 'Jane.') Initially, Amazon was very interested in Christopher Nolan, who is Jonathan's brother, even if that meant breaking a decades-long rule of not allowing a Bond director to have final cut. Until now, the Broccoli family held tight control of the franchise's creative direction, and ultimately had final say. But Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother, Michael Wilson, relinquished the reins earlier this year and now have only a financial stake in the property. Either way, Nolan is tied up on his next project, 'The Odyssey,' which stars Holland, for at least a year. Villeneuve is currently quite busy, too, planning to film 'Dune: Messiah' later this year to make an expected December 2026 release date. For his part, Villeneuve has a one-off deal on Bond, meaning he is not locked in for a sequel, and does not have final cut. The last director to helm two Bond films back to back was Sam Mendes with 2012's 'Skyfall' and 2015's 'Spectre.' Amazon has a short list of writers who will chart the future course for the man with the license to kill as he makes his debut with Amazon after decades at MGM. One scenario making the rounds is that Jonathan Nolan, whose take on the material was enthusiastically received at Amazon, would write the screenplay. Though Nolan has a close relationship with the studio via the series 'Fallout,' sources say he is not available to write. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Who Will Play James Bond Next? 17 Actors Who've Been Rumoured For The Role
It's now been four years since Daniel Craig's departure from the James Bond franchise in No Time To Die – and somehow there's still been no confirmation on who will be succeeding him as 007. The last few months have seen some behind-the-scenes developments for the James Bond franchise, with a new creative team taking control and an Oscar-nominated filmmaker having now been chosen to direct the next instalment. And yet, an actor playing Bond is still be to selected – at least officially. Speculation about the next 007 stretches back to before Daniel Craig even hung up his gun, with new high-profile names constantly being added to the list of potential successors in the last few years. Many have noted that as James Bond moves with the times, it would be fitting for producers to cast an actor of colour in the role, which outgoing producer Barbara Broccoli had expressed interest in (though she had also ruled out giving the part to a woman). As we look ahead to the future of the James Bond franchise, here are 17 stars who've all been rumoured at some point to succeed Daniel Craig at the helm of the series... Who is he? Let's start with the James Bond rumour that's being going the longest – Idris' acting credits include the Thor films, Beasts of No Nation the Fast & Furious series and the BBC detective drama Luther. Where did the rumour come from? Idris has been rumoured to be in the running to play 007 for more than a decade (since the speculation began in 2014, there've been three new films in the series released), with leaked emails from Sony executives suggesting he was a favourite for the part. Following this, then-Bond boss Barbara Broccoli said Idris has been 'part of the conversation' about who the role goes to next. However, in August 2022 it was reported that Idris had made the decision to take himself out of the running – and in the last few years his casting has seemed less and less likely... although we'd kind of love it if he got the opportunity to play Bond at least once, given just how long he was associated with the franchise. 'James Bond is a hugely coveted, iconic, beloved character that takes audiences on this massive escapism journey. Of course, if someone said to me, 'Do you want to play James Bond?,' I'd be like, 'Yeah!'. That's fascinating to me.' Who is he? Aaron has been widely considered as the frontrunner for the role of James for more than a year now. His past credits include the superhero comedy Kick-Ass, the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy and Christopher Nolan's Tenet. More recently, he's appeared in projects as varied as Marvel's Kraven The Hunter, the arthouse horror flick Nosferatu and Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later. Where did the rumour come from? In November 2022, Aaron supposedly met with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli (who has since left the franchise), with follow-up reports claiming the meeting 'went well'. More recently, in 2024, tabloid reports went as far as saying he'd been cast in the role, though this was walked back mere days later. However, the rumour mill has been in overdrive once again in recent history thanks to a series of clues pointing to Aaron playing 007. What has he said? Nothing concrete just yet – but his skittishness when it comes to whether or not he's playing James Bond has to count for something, right? Who is he? Another more recent additions to the list of rumoured potential 007s is another Aaron, this time fellow Brit Aaron Pierre. As well as voicing the title character in Disney's Mufasa, Aaron appeared in The Underground Railroad, played Malcolm X in the anthology series Genius and starred opposite Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal in the sci-fi dystopian drama Foe. Where did the rumour come from? The news appears to come from movie 'insider' Daniel Richtman, who claimed in June 2025 that Aaron is 'being considered' for the part. What has he said? Nothing just yet, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled in case he has anything to add on the rumours. Who is he? He's literally Tom Hardy! You may have seen him in films including Max Max: Fury Road, Dunkirk, Legend, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception or Venom. Where did the rumour come from? Like Idris Elba, speculation about Tom Hardy playing 007 goes way back. Things hotted up in 2020, though, when the film blog The Vulcan Reporter claimed he'd done several auditions for the part and was 'basically locked into the role'. 'You know, there's a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my peer group, that if you talk about it you're automatically out of the race. So I can't possibly comment on that one! If I mention it, it's gone.' Who is he? Probably best known for his role as Loki in the Marvel universe, Tom also won a Golden Globe for his performance in the drama The Night Manager. Where did the rumour come from? Around the time The Night Manager was airing, many viewers pointed out that the British actor might be a good James Bond, and was soon spotted having a meeting with the franchise's chief Barbara Broccoli. Unfortunately, this was also around the time of those infamous 'I Heart TS' paparazzi shots, with rumours suggesting the ensuing media coverage (and his widely-panned Golden Globes speech) may have cost him the role of the man with the golden gun. 'What can I say that you don't already know? It's interesting in itself that I've suddenly become very aware of what I'm saying, is it not? 'Because there's something about what I'm saying that becomes the story. Not for you, but the world outside. Whatever I say, I've found, generated more questions.' Who is he? After rising to fame in Game Of Thrones, the Scottish actor later won a Golden Globe for his leading role in Bodyguard. Where did the rumour come from? The action-packed Bodyguard led to Richard being tipped to succeed Daniel Craig as Bond, with the Daily Mail reporting at the time that the drama had caught the eye of former 007 boss Barbara Broccoli. Bodyguard's producers even teased that a potential second series of the drama would depend on 'what happens with James Bond'. 'I'm more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role. I'm very flattered and thankful. It's a really brilliant thing to be in. 'I don't want to curse anything by saying anything. I think that's the curse of that. If you talk about it, you'll curse it.' Who is he? James is perhaps best known for his TV roles, which have included Happy Valley, Grantchester, McMafia and The Trial Of Christine Keeler, though you may have also seen him in action in the recent big-screen adaptation of Little Women. Where did the rumour come from? While many of the actors named as potential replacements for Daniel Craig are based on anonymous 'insiders' and source quotes, the rumours about James seem to stem primarily from bookies' odds. However, he did spark something of a frenzy in his 2025 drama Playing Nice, when his character was the only person not wearing a tuxedo at a black-tie event, which some felt may have been due to a Bond contractual agreement. 'It's so weird and bemusing. But yet again, it's based on pure speculation and it makes for a good little clickbait moment in the media. Other than that, it's just fun and bemusing.' Who is he? Jack Lowden has had a massive few years, scoring Bafta, Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his work in Slow Horses and appearing with Nicole Kidman in the breezy Netflix mystery The Perfect Couple. Where did the rumour come from? This is another story that's based on bookies' odds, with Jack's name soaring towards the top of the list when Amazon acquired creative control of the spy franchise. Nothing yet – although his wife Saoirse Ronan seems keen on him taking over as 007. Who is he? The British star of films like Crazy, Rich Asians, A Simple Favour and the Guy Ritchie action film The Gentlemen. Where did the rumour come from? After Daniel Craig's exit from the James Bond franchise was confirmed, fans began campaigning for Henry to take over the iconic spy role. '[The speculation] definitely [came] from Crazy Rich Asians, maybe the white suit coming out of the park. [And] because I'm Asian and everybody's fighting for a diverse Bond – sorry, white guys. 'I don't know. It's an honour to even be in the conversation. It's one of the greatest film roles ever, you'd be stupid to be like, 'I don't want to do that.' 'Isn't it great that people are like, 'OK, now's the time, why the hell can't we have a black Bond, an Asian Bond, a mixed-race Bond, a non-distinct Bond?' Who is he? After appearing in Sunshine On Leith and Pride, George landed his biggest role to date when he took the lead in the Bafta-winning 1917, and he's since appeared in Femme and The End. Where did the rumour come from? According to a 2021 report in Page Six, Bond producers were hoping to reboot the franchise after No Time To Die, making the Bond character, which is where the idea to have George play a rather different 007 was reportedly born. 'You've got to consider it for sure. I mean, it's an amazing thing, but it would also be a massive thing. I don't know if that's a reality, but if it ever became one, of course, it would be a consideration. But be a careful one.' Who is he? Regé-Jean became an overnight sensation earlier this year thanks to his role as the main love interest in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton. Where did the rumour come from? Fans immediately began suggesting Regé-Jean as a potential Bond, and when he announced he wasn't returning for the second season of Bridgerton, the rumour mill hotted up even further. 'Ah, the B word. I think if you are British and do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that. 'That's fairly normal and I'm flattered to be in the category of Brits that people have noticed.' Who is he? Charlie's biggest acting credits include Green Street, Queer As Folk, Sons Of Anarchy and Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen. He was also famously cast in the role of Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades Of Grey franchise, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and was replaced by Jamie Dornan. Where did the rumour come from? Charlie's name being linked with playing James Bond largely stems from his devoted fanbase, as well as bookies' odds. 'I would be so flattered and honoured to be considered to play James Bond as an Englishman. But my intuition tells me that I shouldn't be waiting for that phone call to come. I think there are many people ahead of me on that list. 'It's very flattering sort of fan dialogue. Nobody's ever, on a professional level from within the industry, brought that up to me. 'As much as people want to talk about me playing James Bond – please continue. Maybe that's the genesis of these things. Maybe fan chatter leads to industry people actually talking about it in a more serious way.' Who is he? Sam is best known for playing one of the lead roles in the historical drama Outlander. Where did the rumour come from? Sam has actually been on Bond producers' radars for a while, having previously auditioned to succeed Pierce Brosnan in Casino Royale, which would eventually become Daniel Craig's first outing in the role. 'I don't know if there is a conversation being had apart from in the media, but I think it's an incredible franchise and a great character, so of course I would jump at it.' Who is he? Henry is famous for playing Superman in the superhero's most recent big-screen offerings, and also has the lead role in the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher. Where did the rumour come from? After taking on an action role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., many viewers suggested he'd be a fitting replacement for Daniel Craig, with rumours last month suggesting his name had been raised among producers as a hot favourite. Like Sam Heughan, Henry also auditioned for Casino Royale, back when he was just 21 years old. 'I would absolutely jump at the opportunity. At this stage, it's all up in the air. We'll see what happens. But yes, I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.' Who is he? The chart-topping singer made a name for himself as a member of One Direction, before making a name for himself as a Grammy-winning solo artist. He also has two films coming out in the near future, having previously made his acting debut in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk. Where did the rumour come from? This might sound like the work of over-excited Directioners, but in 2021, The Sun reported that Bond producers were hoping to take the character in a 'new age' direction, and tipped Harry for the role. What has he said?Harry's reps said the rumours were 'not even remotely true'. Too bad, tbh. Who is he? Ted Lasso fans will recognise Phil from his Emmy-nominated performance as Jamie Tartt. Where did the rumour come from? Interestingly, unlike most of the names on this list, this rumour comes straight from the horse's mouth, with Phil confirming that a 'conversation' was had about him playing Bond – albeit very a short one. What's he said? 'There was a conversation one of my agents had but they quite firmly shut the door in their face.' Who is he? Another more recent addition to the list of rumoured James Bond stars, Lucien Laviscount's past credits include Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Ryan Murphy's Scream Queens and Emily In Paris. Where did the rumour come from?The Daily Mail first reported in December 2022 that Lucien had caught the eye of James Bond producers, with an unnamed source claiming he 'ticks all of the boxes' as a 'super talented' and 'extremely handsome' young actor. However, it appears there's one drawback. According to the Mail, Lucien's reality TV past (after leaving Waterloo Road, he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, and was involved in a brief showmance with a certain Ms Katona) has put off some execs behind the scenes. What has he said? Again, he's yet to address the rumours directly, so make of that what you will. Aaron Taylor-Johnson Fuels Bond Rumours With This Awkward 28 Years Later Red Carpet Moment Danny Boyle Has This 1 Regret About Stepping Away From No Time To Die Helen Mirren Admits She 'Never Liked' James Bond: 'It Was Born Out Of Profound Sexism'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
All the reasons why Love Island's Yasmin and Giorgio should couple up as they crack on in the villa
Last night saw Love Island's Yasmin Pettet move onto new boy Giorgio, and fans (us included) weren't mad at it. During Friday's episode (27th June), Yasmin pulled Giorgio for a chat and the conversation was flowing. Following the conversation, fans flocked to X (formerly Twitter) shipping the duo. "Would like to see Yasmin get with Giorgio," one wrote. "The way I see it for these two. Considering Yazbot get those cookies," another said. As they crack on, here's all the reasons why Giorgio and Yasmin should couple up at the next recoupling. This is the first conversation viewers have seen between Yasmin and Giorgio, but there were no awkward silences between them, and it looks like there could have been a little chemistry between them, too. "You surprised me the most when I came in and I think this could be the first chat of many," Giorgio told her. "I like you and I think you have a good vibe," she replied. This is the smoothest chat Yasmin has ever had. I'm liking Giorgio for her 👀 #LoveIsland — . (@notifunanya) June 27, 2025 During the conversation, Giorgio complimented her posture, saying: "I think you've got incredible posture… but you're lovely as well." Since Yasmin entered the villa, her impeccably straight posture has been a talking point on social media, so Giorgio's comment didn't go unnoticed to viewers. "Someone finally broke the ice about her fantastic posture," one viewer wrote. Their conversation comes after Yasmin had an argument with her current partner Ben, who made some very harsh comments, calling her "irrelevant" after allegedly telling the boys that she was "no good". Clearly, Giorgio isn't bothered by the whispers in the villa and is getting to know Yasmin regardless, which is a good sign. them acknowledging yas's posture literally feels like breaking the 4th wall #loveisland #loveislanduk — Becky💛 (@noitsbecky13x) June 27, 2025 'Your posture is phenomenal' #loveisland #loveislanduk — Jamie B (@JamieBolton) June 27, 2025 Helena broke things off with Giorgio after telling Harrison that he wasn't her "type". Helena then explained this to Giorgio, who took in on the chin, so he's now single and available. Yasmin, go get your man! wait cuz yasmin and giorgio look kinda cute together hold up… #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK — brina (@sabrinasjoint) June 27, 2025 New episodes of Love Island air on weekdays and Sundays on ITV2 at 9pm. You Might Also Like A ranking of the very best hair straighteners - according to our Beauty Editors Best party dresses to shop in the UK right now 11 products you'd be mad to miss from the Net A Porter beauty sale
