BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures will usher in the new year with the big-screen return of one of the world’s most beloved characters in a delightful new adventure. Following its overwhelmingly successful UK opening earlier this month and currently #1 at the UK box office, “Paddington 2”—fully financed by STUDIOCANAL and produced by multi award-winning producer David Heyman (the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films, “Paddington,” “Gravity”)—is set to debut in theatres across North America on January 12, 2018. The Studio has acquired distribution rights for the film in the U.S. and Canada from STUDIOCANAL and TWC/Dimension Films, it was jointly announced today by STUDIOCANAL, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Content Officer, Warner Bros. Pictures Group.
“Paddington 2” continues the story of the enduringly popular little bear in the trademark blue coat and red hat that touched audiences worldwide. It opened November 10th in the UK to enthusiastic audiences and universally positive reviews, outpacing its predecessor’s opening weekend numbers by over 60%.
Based on the best-selling and internationally adored series of children’s stories by Michael Bond, the film is once again directed by BAFTA nominee Paul King, from a script by King and Simon Farnaby.
Golden Globe and BAFTA winner Hugh Grant and three-time Golden Globe nominee Brendan Gleeson join the all-star returning cast of Golden Globe nominee Hugh Bonneville, Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins, Oscar nominee Julie Walters, Oscar winner Jim Broadbent, Oscar winner Peter Capaldi, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin, with BAFTA winner Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington and Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton as the voice of Aunt Lucy.
The new story finds Paddington happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.
