This past weekend, “Paddington in Peru” took the UK and Ireland by storm, debuting with an unprecedented box office performance that stands as the highest opening of the year for a British-produced film. At £9.65 million (approximately $12.4 million), this launch not only surpassed previous entries in the beloved franchise but also marked a significant achievement for Studiocanal, the studio behind the film. It is the most successful opening for Studiocanal to date, overshadowing the impressive performances of the two prior installments—2014’s “Paddington” and 2017’s “Paddington 2,” which had opening weekends of £5.1 million and £8.2 million respectively.
The latest installment has drawn comparisons with other major releases in 2023, placing it behind notable titles like “Deadpool” and “Inside Out 2” for overall box office success. With an estimated attendance of around 1.2 million viewers since its release on Friday, “Paddington in Peru” is solidly positioned as the third largest debut of the year. This achievement is especially impressive considering that it outperformed significant competitors such as “The Super Mario Bros Movie,” “Incredibles 2,” and “Mary Poppins Returns.” It has now become the sixth biggest opening for a British film in the last decade, positioning Paddington Bear as a resilient figure in family cinema.
The film’s narrative takes viewers on a heartwarming journey as Paddington, the iconic bear known for his love of marmalade, sets out on an adventure to locate his missing Aunt Lucy in Peru. Accompanied by the Brown family, the story unfolds within the stunning backdrop of the Amazon rainforest, showcasing the film’s rich visuals and family-oriented themes. The original stories, penned by British author Michael Bond, have found a remarkable adaptation onto the silver screen, and this third installment continues to charm audiences of all ages.
Critical responses have been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising its charm and cinematic execution. Stephanie Bunbury of Deadline highlighted how the narrative remains enchanting, reaffirming that the core theme of innocence and kindness is as magical as ever. This success has prompted Studiocanal to extend its distribution efforts beyond the UK, with plans to release the film in France, Germany, and several other territories.
Meanwhile, the North American rights are held by Sony, who plans for a theatrical release on January 17, 2025, generating anticipation for how the film will resonate across the Atlantic.
The remarkable opening of “Paddington in Peru” is not merely a financial triumph but also a testament to the enduring appeal of family films. Moviegoers display an undeniable affection for nostalgic characters embarking on delightful adventures. As the film industry continues to navigate the complexities of post-pandemic recovery, successes like this showcase the potential of family-oriented storytelling to unite audiences and offer wholesome entertainment in a fast-evolving cinematic landscape. Through captivating narratives and beloved characters, films like “Paddington in Peru” remind us of the value in fostering connection and joy through the art of storytelling, a true hallmark of cinematic achievement.