Paddington (film series) explained

Paddington
Creator:Michael Bond
Owner:The Paddington Company (StudioCanal)
Otherlabel1:Distributor(s)
Atv:The Adventures of Paddington
(2019–present)
Shorts:Ma’amalade sandwich Your Majesty? (2022)
Website:https://www.paddington.com/gb
Years:2014–present

Paddington is a media franchise based on the character Paddington Bear, created by British author Michael Bond. The franchise began with the 2014 film of the same name. A sequel was released in 2017 and a third film went into production in 2023. The films have also spawned a TV series, and a short film. All films and TV series feature Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington.

Films

Paddington (2014)

See main article: Paddington (film). This is the first and only film to be distributed by The Weinstein Company through the sub-label TWC-Dimension in the US, as the rights to the film series originally were sold to Warner Bros. Pictures, and then to Columbia Pictures following the Weinstein scandal in October 2017.[1]

Paddington 2 (2017)

See main article: Paddington 2. In April 2015, David Heyman confirmed that he would produce the second film in the franchise.[2] It was also announced that Paul King would direct and co-write with Simon Farnaby.[3] By October 2016, the cast of Paddington – Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton – were confirmed to be returning for the sequel, joined by new cast members Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson. Principal photography began in the same month.[4] Framestore provided the visual effects for the film.[5] Filming in Little Venice took place for three days.[6] Filming also took place at Shepton Mallet Prison.[7] [8]

Paddington in Peru (2024)

See main article: Paddington in Peru. In June 2016, StudioCanal CEO Didier Lupfer stated that the studio was committed to making a third Paddington film.[9] In November 2017, David Heyman told Digital Spy that though the script for a third Paddington film had not developed, discussions about locations, ideas and scenes had already begun. In November 2018, Heyman noted that a third film was still likely to happen, but that Paul King would not be back to direct, though he would still be involved in a prominent creative capacity.[10] The films' previous director Paul King will not be directing the film as he is helming the film Wonka. King is set to executive produce the film and has written a story alongside Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton with a screenplay by Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont.[11] [12]

On June 13, 2022, it was announced that the title of the film will be Paddington in Peru and will be directed by Dougal Wilson, with principal photography now set to begin in 2023, with some of the cast returning.[13] In February 2023 Whishaw stated that he had yet to read a script and was unsure whether development was continuing.[14]

In April 2023, it was confirmed Paddington in Peru (aka Paddington 3) would start filming on 24 July,[15] which it did,[16] despite reports that it was suspended due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.[17] Olivia Colman will appear in the film. At the same time, Sally Hawkins quit her role as Mary Brown.[18]

Television series

See main article: The Adventures of Paddington (2019 TV series). In October 2017, it was announced that StudioCanal was producing an animated series based on the films, set to launch in either late 2018 or early 2019. It was announced in February 2019, that the series would launch worldwide in 2020 on Nickelodeon, with Whishaw reprising his voice of Paddington.[19] [20]

On 20 November 2019, it was announced that the series would premiere on 20 January 2020 after a sneak preview which aired on 20 December 2019.[21]

Short film

For the "Platinum Party at the Palace" music concert that would open the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II, the Queen acted in a short film directed by Mark Burton to open the concert in which the Queen hosts Paddington Bear (with Whishaw reprising his role) for tea in honour of the Jubilee.[22] The Queen is seen patiently tolerating a tea-slurping Paddington who, upon realising his mistake, attempts to pour tea for her. However, he stomps over a pastry on the table and ends up covering a footman (played by Simon Farnaby) in cream.[23] As the bear offers the Queen a marmalade sandwich, and tells her that he always keeps one for emergencies, the Queen confides "So do I" and, prising open her handbag, tells him: "I keep mine in here". Later, the bear congratulates the Queen on her reign, exclaiming: "Happy Jubilee Ma'am. And thank you for everything". The sequence ends with both the Queen and Paddington using a spoon to tap out the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You" on teacup.[24]

The Queen spent around half a day filming the sketch at Windsor Castle, and had since kept it a secret from some of her family members. A Buckingham Palace spokesman stated: "While the Queen may not be attending the concert in person, she was very keen that people understood how much it meant to her and that all those watching had a great time. [...] Her Majesty is well known for her sense of humour, so it should be no surprise that she decided to take part in tonight's sketch."[25]

Recurring cast and characters

CharactersFilmsTelevision seriesShort film
PaddingtonPaddington
Paddington

Paddington		Platinum Party at the Palace
2014201720242019–present2022
Paddington BrownBen Whishaw
Henry BrownHugh BonnevilleDarren Boyd
Mary BrownSally HawkinsEmily MortimerMorwenna Banks
Jonathan "J-Dog" BrownSamuel JoslinBobby Beynon
Judy BrownMadeleine HarrisSabrina Newton-Fisher
Mrs. BirdJulie WaltersPhyllis Logan
Samuel GruberJim BroadbentDavid Schofield
Aunt LucyImelda Stauntoncolspan="2"
Mr. CurryPeter CapaldiReece Shearsmithcolspan="2"
Uncle PastuzoMichael Gamboncolspan="3"
BarrySimon Farnabycolspan="3"

Production

The first film of the series was announced in September 2007, with David Heyman producing and Hamish McColl writing the screenplay.[26] When filming began, Heyman announced the casting of Colin Firth as the voice of Paddington. Paddington is the most expensive film produced by the French production company StudioCanal.[27] [28] [29]

In June 2014, after principal photography had wrapped, Firth voluntarily dropped out of the film, after the studio decided his voice was not suitable for Paddington.[30] The role was recast the following month, with Ben Whishaw signing on to voice the title role. Paddington was created using a combination of computer-generated imagery (by the British company Framestore)[31] and animatronics.

The creator of the Paddington character, Michael Bond, also appeared in a cameo in the first film, playing the role of the Kindly Gentleman.[32]

When the two films were dubbed into Ukrainian, Paddington was voiced by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.[33]

Crew

FilmU.S. release dateDirectorProducerWritersComposerEditor(s)Cinematographer
Screenplay byStory by
PaddingtonPaul KingDavid HeymanPaul KingPaul King and Hamish McCollNick UrataMark EversonErik Wilson
Paddington 212 January 2018Paul King and Simon FarnabyDario MarianelliMark Everson and Jonathan Amos
Paddington in Peru17 January 2025Dougal WilsonMark Burton, Jon Foster and James LamontPaul King, Simon Farnaby and Mark BurtonTBA

Reception

Box office performance

FilmUS release dateBox office grossBudget
US and CanadaOther territoriesWorldwide
Paddington[34] 16 January 2015$76,271,832$191,775,976$268,047,808$55 million
Paddington 2[35] 12 January 2018$40,442,052$186,426,520$226,868,572$42 million

Critical reception

Film! scope="col" colspan="2"
CriticalPublic
Rotten TomatoesMetacriticCinemaScore
Paddington[36] 77 (38 critics)[37] A[38]
Paddington 2[39] 88 (38 critics)[40] A

BAFTA Awards

FilmCategoryResult
Paddington[41] Alexander Korda Award for Best British Filmrowspan="5"
Best Adapted Screenplay
Paddington 2[42] Best British Film
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Hugh Grant)
Best Adapted Screenplay

Notes and References

  1. News: Warner Bros. Rescues Paddington 2 from the Weinstein Company . 13 May 2023 . Vanity Fair . 29 October 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181029044607/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/11/warner-bros-weinstein-company-paddington-2 . live .
  2. Web site: Paddington 2: Producer David Heyman Provides an Update on the Sequel . . 28 April 2015 . 20 October 2016 . Radish . Christina . 31 May 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160531015835/http://collider.com/paddington-2-sequel-producer-david-heyman-talks-story-and-wanting-paul-king-to-return/ . live .
  3. News: John . Elsa . amp . Hopewell . Cannes: 'Paddington 2' Sets Production Date . . 10 May 2016 . 20 October 2016 . Keslassy . 11 May 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160511061828/https://variety.com/2016/film/festivals/cannes-studiocanal-david-heyman-produced-paddington2-1201770225/ . live .
  4. Web site: Paddington 2 recruits Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson as filming begins . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/paddington-2-release-date-hugh-grant-brendan-gleeson-sally-hawkins-hugh-bonneville-a7367081.html . 24 May 2022 . subscription . live . . 18 October 2016 . 20 October 2016 . Stolworthy . Jacob.
  5. Web site: Harry Potter special effects firm looks east with sale to China group . . 3 November 2016 . 4 November 2016 . Kollewe . Julia . 4 November 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161104150141/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/nov/03/framestore-sale-china-group-harry-potter-paddington-doctor-strange . live .
  6. Web site: Paddington Bear film set staff 'acting like armed militia', say angry Little Venice residents . . 18 November 2016 . 25 November 2016 . 25 November 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161125113900/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/paddington-bear-film-set-staff-acting-like-armed-militia-say-angry-little-venice-residents-a3398841.html . live .
  7. Web site: Paddington 2: Film starring Hugh Grant shot scenes at Shepton Mallet prison and stars local girl. Somerset Live. 28 January 2017. 17 February 2017. dead. https://archive.today/20170217114151/http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/paddington-2-film-starring-hugh-grant-shot-scenes-at-shepton-mallet-prison-and-stars-local-girl/story-30093751-detail/story.html. 17 February 2017. dmy-all.
  8. Web site: Hugh Bonneville learns of Paddington creator's death on last day of filming . . 28 June 2017 . 13 July 2017 . Baillie . Katie . 28 June 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170628170052/http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/28/hugh-bonneville-posts-touching-tribute-to-michael-bond-how-poignant-we-hear-of-his-death-on-the-last-day-of-shooting-paddington-2-6741023/ . live .
  9. Web site: Back fur more: Paddington films set for third instalment . The Guardian . 20 June 2016 . 1 January 2017 . Barnes . Henry . 28 December 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161228034902/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jun/20/paddington-films-set-for-third-instalment-ben-wishaw . live .
  10. News: Paddington 3 is almost definitely happening . 6 November 2017 . . 21 December 2017 . en . 7 January 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180107020835/http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a842208/paddington-3-update-paul-king-interview/ . live .
  11. Web site: 'Paddington 3' Has A Production Start Date As Studiocanal Reveals Bustling Film & TV Slate In Cannes. Deadline Hollywood. 6 July 2021. July 7, 2021. 9 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183318/https://deadline.com/2021/07/paddington-3-begin-filming-2022-cannes-studiocanal-1234786719/. live.
  12. Web site: Cannes: StudioCanal Unveils Film, TV Slate, Sets 'Paddington 3' Production Date. The Hollywood Reporter. 6 July 2021. July 7, 2021. 24 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210724044437/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/cannes-studiocanal-paddington-3-1234977917/. live.
  13. Web site: Dougal Wilson Tapped to Direct Third 'Paddington' Movie . 13 June 2022 . 13 June 2022 . 13 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220613170416/https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/dougal-wilson-tapped-to-direct-third-paddington-movie/ . live .
  14. Web site: Bergeson . Samantha . 3 February 2023 . 'Paddington 3' Is Still Up in the Air, Says Ben Whishaw: 'It's Gone Silent' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230203014407/https://www.indiewire.com/2023/02/paddington-3-might-not-be-happening-ben-whishaw-1234806314/ . 3 February 2023 . 4 February 2023 . IndieWire.
  15. Web site: Paddington's Back: Threequel 'Paddington in Peru' Will Begin Filming in July . 3 April 2023 . Deadline . 3 April 2023 . 3 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230403230918/https://deadline.com/2023/04/paddington-movie-film-3-peru-ben-whishaw-filming-july-queen-1235314478/ . live .
  16. News: Calnan. Ellie. 26 July 2023. Studiocanal's 'Paddington In Peru' starts shooting in the UK amid SAG-AFTRA strike. Screen Daily. 26 July 2023. 26 July 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230726144753/https://www.screendaily.com/news/studiocanals-paddington-in-peru-starts-shooting-in-the-uk-amid-sag-aftra-strike/5184343.article. live.
  17. Web site: Bowden . George . Glynn . Paul . Which movies and TV shows are impacted by the Hollywood strike? . . 16 July 2023 . July 14, 2023 . 16 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230716200619/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66196019 . live .
  18. Web site: Galuppo . Mia . Kit . Borys . Olivia Colman to Join 'Paddington 3' (Exclusive) . The Hollywood Reporter . 26 June 2023 . 23 June 2023 . 25 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230625143356/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/olivia-colman-paddington-3-1235510670/ . live .
  19. News: Hopewell. John. Mipcom: Studiocanal to Launch Paddington Animated TV Series. Variety. 9 October 2017. 10 October 2017. 14 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180414014807/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/mipcom-studiocanal-paddington-animated-tv-series-1202584183/. live.
  20. Web site: Press Release. STUDIOCANAL AND NICKELODEON ANNOUNCE GLOBAL DEAL FOR ALL-NEW "PADDINGTON" TELEVISION SERIES. Paddington.com. 14 February 2020. 14 February 2019. 15 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050634/https://www.paddington.com/gb/news/new-tv-show/. dead.
  21. Web site: Beloved Paddington Bear Returns to TV in Nickelodeon's Brand-New Animated Preschool Series, "The Adventures of Paddington," Premiering Monday, Jan. 20, at 12:30 P.M. (ET/PT) in the U.S.. The Futon Critic. 20 November 2019. 20 November 2019. 7 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230907023342/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/11/20/beloved-paddington-bear-returns-to-tv-in-nickelodeons-brand-new-animated-preschool-series-the-adventures-of-paddington-premiering-monday-jan-20-at-1230-pm-et-pt-in-the-us-198504/20191120nickelodeon01/. live.
  22. News: 2022-06-04 . Paddington Bear takes tea – and marmalade – with Queen in jubilee video . 2022-06-09 . . en . 9 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220609081702/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jun/04/paddington-bear-takes-tea-and-marmalade-with-queen-in-jubilee-video . live .
  23. Web site: 2022-06-06 . Watch: Paddington Bear's adorable tea party with Queen Elizabeth amid her Platinum Jubilee fete . 2022-06-09 . The Indian Express . en . 9 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220609081702/https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/britain-queen-elizabeth-and-paddington-bear-having-cream-tea-at-buckingham-palace-platinum-party-7953424/ . live .
  24. Web site: Behind-the-Scenes of Queen Elizabeth's Skit with Paddington Bear: 'She Has Surprised Us'. Stephanie. Petit. Simon. Perry. People.com. 9 June 2022. 8 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220608221123/https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-paddington-bear-skit-behind-scenes-top-secret-royal-family/. live.
  25. News: Furness . Hannah . 2022-06-04 . Queen's Jubilee surprise: A starring role with Paddington Bear (and what she really keeps in her handbag) . en-GB . The Telegraph . 2022-06-09 . 0307-1235 . 9 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220809105719/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/06/04/queens-jubilee-surprise-starring-role-paddington-bear-really/ . live .
  26. Web site: Adam . Dawtrey . WB bears down on 'Paddington' film . . 13 September 2007 . 4 February 2014 . 28 August 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180828025249/https://variety.com/2007/film/news/wb-bears-down-on-paddington-film-2-1117971958/ . live .
  27. Web site: "Paddington" : Canal+ va produire le film le plus cher de son histoire . ozap.com . 19 November 2014 . fr . 5 November 2012 . Charles . Decant . 12 November 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141112193226/http://www.ozap.com/actu/-paddington-canal-va-produire-le-film-le-plus-cher-de-son-histoire/440832 . live .
  28. Web site: Kemp . Stuart . 'Harry Potter' Producer David Heyman to Adapt 'Paddington Bear' . . 20 November 2014 . 5 October 2012 . 24 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924183737/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/harry-potter-producer-david-heyman-paddington-bear-322838 . live .
  29. Web site: Jaafar . Ali . 'Paddington': Potential Game-Changer For Studiocanal; Euro Major Bares Ambition . . 28 November 2014 . 28 November 2014 . 29 November 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141129103545/https://deadline.com/2014/11/paddington-potential-game-changer-for-studio-canal-1201300308/ . live .
  30. Web site: Busis . Hillary . Colin Firth leaving as voice of 'Paddington' movie . . 17 June 2014 . 17 June 2014 . 17 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140617233904/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/06/17/colin-firth-leaving-as-voice-of-paddington-movie-exclusive/ . live .
  31. Great campaign ads to feature in new Paddington film . VisitBritain . 25 November 2014 . 13 November 2014 . . 19 October 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161019234431/http://media.visitbritain.com/?service=feature&action=show_content_page&language=en&feature=1037 . live .
  32. News: Michael Bond obituary. Horwell. Veronica. 28 June 2017. The Guardian. 7 October 2017. en-GB. 0261-3077. 28 June 2017. https://archive.today/20170628160108/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/jun/28/michael-bond-obituary. live.
  33. https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/9365540002 "Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy won ‘DWTS,’ voiced ‘Paddington’ before becoming president"
  34. Web site: Paddington. Box Office Mojo. 13 January 2018. 14 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180114183818/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=paddington.htm. live.
  35. Web site: Paddington 2. Box Office Mojo. 13 January 2018. 13 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180113075527/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=paddington2.htm. live.
  36. . Paddington . m . .
  37. Paddington . paddington . m . 24 May 2022.
  38. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . 14 January 2018 . 'Jumanji' Roars To $34M; 'The Post' Still The Most With $22M+; 'The Commuter' Punches $16M: MLK Weekend Box Office Update . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180114020415/http://deadline.com/2018/01/the-commuter-proud-mary-jumanji-paddington-2-mlk-weekend-box-office-1202241724/ . 14 January 2018 . May 24, 2022 . Deadline Hollywood.
  39. . Paddington 2 . m . .
  40. Paddington 2 . paddington-2 . m . 24 May 2022.
  41. Web site: BAFTA Film Awards 2015: Full list of winners . 8 February 2015 . . 25 February 2015 . Nick . Levine . 11 February 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150211180443/http://www.nme.com/filmandtv/news/bafta-film-awards-2015-full-list-of-winners/369329 . live .
  42. Web site: The Shape of Water leads Bafta nominations. BBC News. 9 January 2018. 9 January 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180109100631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-42618187. 9 January 2018. dmy-all.

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