This past weekend, *Paddington in Peru* has captured the attention of audiences in the UK and Ireland, achieving a remarkable opening that has positioned it as the top British-produced movie of the year. With an impressive three-day revenue of £9.65 million ($12.4 million), it marks not only a significant milestone for the franchise but also the largest debut for Studiocanal since the 2021 release of *No Time to Die*. This success is particularly noteworthy as it surpasses the opening weekends of its predecessors: the original *Paddington* film from 2014 premiered with £5.1 million, and its sequel, *Paddington 2*, achieved £8.2 million in its first weekend. Collectively, the previous two films have garnered a staggering $600 million globally, setting high expectations for the third installment.
The latest film has proven to resonate with viewers, attracting approximately 1.2 million attendees across the UK and Ireland alone since its release. This strong turnout places *Paddington in Peru* as the third-largest opening of the year so far, trailing only high-grossing titles such as *Deadpool* and *Inside Out 2*. As a point of comparison, its weekend performance exceeded several other blockbuster family films, including *The Super Mario Bros Movie*, *Incredibles 2*, and *Wonka*. Its wide release in 732 cinemas—the most extensive for any British film this year—has certainly played a vital role in maximizing its viewing audience and heightening its competitive edge at the box office.
Beyond its impressive numbers, *Paddington in Peru* continues to engage audiences with its heartfelt narrative and beloved characters. Following the adventures of Paddington Bear, the storyline unfolds as Paddington receives a distressing letter from his Aunt Lucy, who has mysteriously vanished from her cabin in the Peruvian jungle. The film showcases Paddington’s endeared companions, the Brown family, as they embark on a thrilling expedition that takes them deep into the Amazon rainforest and high into the Andes Mountains. This adventure is as enchanting as it is suspenseful, further cementing Paddington’s position as an iconic character in children’s literature adapted for film.
Critics have also lauded the film’s continued charm and storytelling prowess. For instance, Stephanie Bunbury’s review in *Deadline* reflected on the film’s enduring magic and its ability to resonate across generations. The creative contributions of Paul King, Simon Farnaby, and Mark Burton helped to bring this heartfelt narrative to fruition, while a talented cast featuring Hugh Bonneville, Imelda Staunton, and Antonio Banderas adds depth and star power to the film. Following this successful launch, Studiocanal plans to distribute the film in multiple countries, including France, Germany, and Australia, ensuring that *Paddington in Peru* will reach a vast international audience. Sony Pictures has also secured the North American rights, with a planned release set for January 17, 2025.
This latest adventure of Paddington not only continues the legacy of the beloved bear but also illustrates the power of family-friendly cinema in bringing diverse audiences together, marking yet another chapter in a truly enchanting series.