This past weekend, the beloved character Paddington Bear made a spectacular return to the big screen with the release of “Paddington in Peru.” The film has captivated audiences in the UK and Ireland, achieving a staggering opening weekend gross of £9.65 million ($12.4 million). This marks the most successful debut for a British-produced film in 2023 and the best since “No Time to Die” in 2021. Impressively, this figure also establishes a new benchmark for Studiocanal, making it a monumental occasion for the company.
The previous installments, released in 2014 and 2017, saw opening numbers of £5.1 million and £8.2 million, respectively. Collectively, the first two films raked in approximately $600 million globally, showcasing the franchise’s enduring appeal. With an estimated 1.2 million attendees over the three days since its release, “Paddington in Peru” has solidified its place among the highest-performing British films of the last decade.
In an industry that is notoriously competitive, “Paddington in Peru” has managed to outperform other recent family films, proving its magnetic draw. The film’s debut surpassed earlier favorites such as “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (£8.7 million), “Incredibles 2” (£9.4 million), and even “Wonka” (£8.9 million). Beyond that, with a release across 732 cinemas—the largest distribution for a film this year—the success of this charming adventure demonstrates an invigorating resurgence for family-oriented content in the UK cinema landscape.
The film’s achievement is further emphasized by its standing as the third-largest opening of the year, behind only “Deadpool” & “Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2.” Such accolades highlight the film’s broad demographic appeal and its standing as a favorite among audiences of all ages.
At the heart of “Paddington in Peru” lies a touching narrative drawn from British author Michael Bond’s cherished children’s books. The storyline follows Paddington as he ventures to Peru to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his Aunt Lucy. Accompanied by the Brown family, this journey transforms into an engaging and adventurous experience that navigates the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest. This mixture of intrigue and warmth makes it a must-see for families.
The ensemble cast features notable talents like Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, and Imelda Staunton, ensuring that the film is not only visually appealing but rich in its storytelling. Critics have praised the film’s ability to evoke nostalgia while simultaneously offering fresh and engaging content for both new viewers and long-time fans.
Critics, like Stephanie Bunbury from Deadline, have lauded the film for its magical qualities, noting that the saga of Paddington continues to enchant audiences. As Studiocanal prepares for its international release in countries like France, Germany, and Australia, and with Sony holding the North American rights for a 2025 release, “Paddington in Peru” seems poised to achieve even greater heights.
In a cinematic era where family-friendly films are essential to box office success, “Paddington in Peru” emerges as a shining example of how heartwarming stories and beloved characters can still triumph at the box office, rekindling an appreciation for classic storytelling while paving a promising path for future installments.