Italian
Paddington in Peru sets new records in the UK box office
A splendid comeback
“Paddington in Peru” has achieved an extraordinary feat at the U.K. box office, capturing the hearts of audiences and breaking records with its debut weekend. The third installment in the charming Paddington Bear franchise, the movie has shown that the seven-year gap since the second film has only heightened anticipation, making it the most successful opening among the trilogy.
A smashing opening weekend
During its first three days, “Paddington in Peru” amassed an impressive £9.65 million ($12.4 million), marking the most substantial opening for a British-produced film this year and the largest since “No Time to Die” in 2021. For StudioCanal, which undertook the financing of this feature—their most costly film investment to date—it represents their most triumphant U.K. debut ever. This achievement demonstrates the enduring appeal of a CGI bear with a fondness for marmalade sandwiches.
Comparing past successes
For context, the original “Paddington” film, released in 2014, opened to £5.1 million, whereas the 2017 sequel pulled in £8.2 million. Both movies went on to earn over $600 million globally, establishing Paddington as the most successful independent family franchise. While hopes are high that “Paddington in Peru” will solidify this status and propel the franchise towards the $1 billion mark, audiences in the United States will have to wait until January 17 for the movie’s release through Sony.
Box office standing and competitive landscape
Opening in 732 cinemas, “Paddington in Peru” boasts the widest release site count of the year. Its debut ranks as the third largest opening of the year, surpassed only by “Deadpool & Wolverine” (£17.2m) and “Inside Out 2” (£11.3m). It managed to outperform other significant releases such as “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (£8.7m excluding previews) and “Incredibles 2” (£9.4m). It even outshone “Wonka” (£8.9m), “Despicable Me 4” (£8.8m), and “Mary Poppins Returns” (£8.2m).
The storyline and adventure
Based on the beloved children’s stories by British author Michael Bond, “Paddington in Peru” follows the titular bear as he receives a letter from Peru notifying him that his dear Aunt Lucy has mysteriously disappeared from her jungle cabin at the Home for Retired Bears. Accompanied by the Brown family, Paddington embarks on an adventurous and unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and the majestic mountains of Peru.
Stellar cast and new additions
Returning to lend their voices and talents are Ben Whishaw as Paddington, along with Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin. New stars joining the ensemble include Olivia Colman, Emily Mortimer, Carla Tous, and Antonio Banderas.
Paddington’s enduring charm
This latest chapter reaffirms Paddington’s ever-growing popularity and the love audiences have for stories filled with warmth, humor, and adventure. With Ben Whishaw’s enduring voice performance as Paddington and a talented mix of returning and new cast members, “Paddington in Peru” has rightfully earned its place as a landmark success in British cinema.
Given the enduring nostalgia and cross-generational appeal of Paddington, it’s no surprise that StudioCanal’s significant investment in this film has paid off handsomely. It’s a testament to the timeless charm of Paddington that each new adventure touches the hearts of both young and old alike.
Looking forward
As the box office figures continue to soar, there’s no doubt that Paddington’s latest tale will become a memorable chapter in the franchise and could very well push it towards unprecedented financial milestones globally.
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