As a devoted fan of the lovable, marmalade-loving bear from Peru, I can’t help but feel a wave of pure joy when I hear about the exciting future ahead for Paddington! Having grown up with this charming character and his heartwarming adventures, it’s truly amazing to see him evolve into a global phenomenon.
At the Brand Licensing Europe 2024 conference in London, I learned firsthand that Paddington isn’t just a cherished, globally recognized bear and family brand, but also a profitable venture for the StudioCanal unit of the Canal+ group.
François Guyonnet, CEO of StudioCanal’s kids & family division, and Sissel Henno, head of global sales for licensing & retail at StudioCanal, discussed their experiences in transforming StudioCanal into a global sensation during the keynote event titled “Transforming a Historic Brand into a Global Sensation.” The session previewed the evolution of “Paddington” from a well-known character to a globally recognized cultural icon, prior to the upcoming November release of the third film in the series, entitled “Paddington’s Peruvian Adventure.
Furthermore, although they pointed out that things are still developing and specifics are yet to be revealed, they shared exciting updates for Paddington’s devoted followers. In addition to ongoing work on a new television series, they are also planning a new movie set to release in 2027 or 2028. Notably, the upcoming film will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the franchise, as shared by Guyonnet.
However, let’s not jump to conclusions. For Paddington worldwide, this year has been primarily geared towards content creation, experiential events, and digital strategies to maximize exposure for Paddington. This approach includes the launch of a TikTok page in April and the unveiling of The Paddington Bear Experience in London. Additionally, two thrilling events are scheduled for November: the debut of a new Roblox game, and as always with Paddington, it’s not about earning money, but spreading kindness. So, you can win prizes by cooking more marmalade.
Lastly, the much-anticipated third film has arrived! And for me as a StudioCanal family member, nothing could be more exciting than the premiere of “Paddington’s Peruvian Adventure“.
Dougal Wilson’s first film as director showcases Paddington embarking on a journey from his London dwelling to his roots in the heart of Peru. Previously known for his commercial and music video work that earned awards, Ben Whishaw has lent his voice to the beloved bear character, who in previous films was involved in escapades with the Brown family, starring Hugh Bonneville as the father figure. The upcoming movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Olivia Colman, Emily Mortimer, Antonio Banderas, Jim Broadbent, and several others.
The movie ‘Paddington in Peru’ is co-produced by StudioCanal and David Heyman’s Heyday Films. StudioCanal, who financed the entire production, will debut the film in the U.K. on Nov. 8, with subsequent releases planned for other regions. In addition to the U.K., StudioCanal is responsible for releasing the movie in France, Germany, Benelux, Australia/New Zealand, and Poland. Sony Pictures owns distribution rights for the rest of the world, with exceptions being Russia, China, and Japan. The U.S. premiere has been scheduled for January 17, 2025.
In the upcoming movie, Paddington is heading back to his native land to see his cherished aunt Lucy, as revealed by Henno, who hinted at plenty of classic Paddington amusement. Moreover, she boasted about the financial triumph of the initial two films released in 2014 and 2017, emphasizing that this makes Paddington “the most successful independent film family franchise” according to the executive.
According to the executives, the Paddington-themed entertainment train is set to continue its journey in the upcoming years. Guyonnet has announced that towards the end of next year, a musical titled “Paddington: The Musical” will be premiered in the West End. This production will be orchestrated by one of the industry’s top producers, Sonia Freeman. The musical will boast music and lyrics crafted by Tom Fletcher, with Jessica Swale penning the script and Luke Sheppard taking on the directorial duties.
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2024-09-25 18:54